The Pirate softball team worked extra innings before defeating visiting Santa Ana 4-3 Friday at the VC Softball Complex. Celeste Ekman had a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth scoring Angelina Flores to walk off with the win. Adriana Clemons was 2-4, including a three-RBI triple, to lead VC (19-6, 6-1) at the plate while Anissa Padilla scattered eight hits and struck out six in the complete-game victory in the pitcher's circle.
After giving up one run in the fourth inning, the Pirates came back with three scores in the bottom of the sixth. Celeste Ekman and Brittney Banales each singled, then moved ahead one base on Kaylee Neal's sacrifice. Padilla drew a walk to load the bases before Clemons cleared them with a three-RBI triple. VC led at the end of the frame, 3-1.
The Dons countered with two runs in the top of the seventh to send the game to extra innings.
In the bottom of the ninth, Flores, Arianna Rivas, and Danielle Carmona all singled to load the bases before Ekman hit a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Flores, allowing Ventura to walk off with the victory.
The Pirates next take the field on Tuesday April 3 in a key Western State Conference North Division match-up against Bakersfield. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 pm against the Renegades at the VC Softball Complex.