Two days after managing just one hit in losing to Gilroy, the San Benito softball team registered only three hits against North Salinas yesterday. But the difference was that the ‘Balers parlayed those hits into a 2-1 victory, their first of the Tri-County Athletic League season.
After a smoking offense propelled the team to a 7-0 record to open the year, San Benito head coach Scott Smith has been left wondering where his players’ bats have gone.
“Pre-season, we were hitting the heck out of the ball,” said Smith. “Now, all of a sudden, we’re in a slump.”
Nevertheless, the Haybalers (8-1) emerged with the victory because they made their few hits count.
Sophomore Lizzy Gatto walked to lead off the second and Audra Brown followed with a single to the right-center gap. North Salinas looked as though it might get out of the inning unharmed by inducing a strikeout and a groundout to the next two batters. But San Benito first baseman Ari Romero struck for a clutch, two-out double to center that knocked in Gatto and Brown to give the ‘Balers a 2-0 lead.
With Haybalers freshman pitcher Marisa Ibarra keeping the Vikings (1-1 TCAL) at bay, the two-run lead held until the sixth. North Salinas pulled to within 2-1 on a one-out RBI double, but Ibarra retired the next two batters to end the Vikings’ threat.
San Benito catcher Ashley Perreira spoke of the poise Ibarra has shown despite her youth.
“Marisa’s been throwing great this year,” said Perreira. “A lot of pressure’s been put on her as a freshman, but she’s been hitting her spots.”
North Salinas fell to 4-4-1 on the season despite getting seven hits to San Benito’s three.
In evening their league record at 1-1, the ‘Balers were glad to move beyond their first loss of the season.
“We were taught just to let it go and focus on the next game,” said Romero. “[This win] is a little confidence booster for us.”
Gatto was the only Haybaler to reach base twice, finishing 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a stolen base.
After playing five games in six days, San Benito doesn’t return to action for nearly a week. The ‘Balers will use the time to prepare for a team Smith called one of the best in the TCAL.
“We’ve got Live Oak next and they’re going to be tough,” said the ‘Balers coach. “We certainly have to play better to beat them.”
The ‘Balers – Acorns contest has been moved from its original date and location. The teams will meet on Wednesday in Hollister at 3:45pm.
Scott Campbell is the sports editor for the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him at (831) 637-5566 (x334) or at sc*******@fr***********.com.
