Pirate sophomore Lindsey Dietz had three hits, including a lead-off triple in the bottom of the seventh, and scored the game-tying run as the Ventura College softball team extended their season with a thrilling 4-3 walk-off win over Rio Hondo in the preliminary round of the SoCal Regional Playoffs Tuesday. Julia Garcia had an RBI triple in the last inning to tie the game, and scored on Farris Burke's single to right to push VC (27-13) into the next round of the post season.
Ventura took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Mariah Gamboa had a one-out single and advanced to second on Olivia Hernandez's two-out single, and to third on a hit-by pitch for Claira Lozano. Gamboa scored on an errant pick-off throw by the Rio Hondo catcher giving the Pirates the early advantage.
VC pitcher Olivia Hernandez held the Roadrunners at bay for the first four innings, allowing just two hits, but allowed a lead-off walk to score in the fifth inning.
Deitz bashed a shot to the fence in right field in the bottom half of the frame, circling the bases to put the Pirates back ahead 2-1.
Rio Hondo hit back-to-back extra base hits in the sixth, and followed by a one-out single to take a 3-2 lead.
The Pirates threatened in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases with hits by Gamboa and Gabriella Ramos, while Burke reached on an error. VC was unable to plate a run, however, and trailed 2-1 headed into the seventh.
The Roadrunners went easily in the top half of the inning behind Olivia Hernandez in the circle and Marina Coffin's defense at third base, setting the stage for the Pirate come back.
Deitz led off the final frame with a triple to the fence in right, and scored on Garcia's triple. Following a pop out and a line out, Marina Hernandez beat out an infield single before Burke's single to right drove in Garcia for the game-winning run.
Olivia Hernandez had a solid day pitching, yielding three runs, two earned, on seven hits. She gave up two walks while striking out one.
Deitz had a monster day for the Pirates batting 3-3 with a walk, scoring two runs with an RBI. Gamboa had a pair of hits with a walk and scored once while Burke reached base twice, including the game-winning hit. Garcia had one hit with an RBI and scored the game-winning run.
Ventura advances to the SoCal Regionals, Round 1 on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8. The No. 15-seeded Pirates will travel to No. 2 Santiago Canyon for a best-two-of-three series beginning Saturday may 7 at 2:00 pm in Orange, Calif. Game two will be Sunday May 8 at 12:00 pm with the deciding game, if necessary following at 2:00 pm.