The Ventura College softball team played small ball Tuesday, taking advantage of lead-off runners reaching base in defeating visiting Canyons 4-1 at the VC Softball Complex in the Pirates' 2019 home opener. Kayla Garcia had two hits with a run batted in at the plate and pitched seven innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out three Cougar batters. Marisa Felix also had a pair of hits for the Pirates (4-1).
VC scored all four of their runs when lead-off batters reached base, beginning in the second inning. Felix led off with a single, and Bertha Orozco stepped in to pinch run. Orozco advanced to second on a wild pitch and went to third on a single by Garcia. Orozco then scored on a double steal on which Garcia was tagged out at second base.
In the fourth inning, Kaylee Neal walked to begin the frame, and Adriana Clemons sacrificed her to second base. After Neal stole third, Felix knocker her home with a single.
Jessica Mendoza led of fthe fifth inning with a base hit, and Cassidy Craig followed with a sacrifice. Kali Brown then reached base on an error that allowed Craig to score for a 3-0 Pirate lead.
Ventura scored another insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Clemons led off with a walk and moved all the way to third on Felix's sacrifice. One out later, Garcia singled in Clemons.
The Cougars scored one run in the top of the seventh, but it was not enough to hold back the 4-1 Pirate victory.
Ventura next hits the diamond Friday Feb. 1 at El Camino College. First pitch in Torrance is scheduled for 2:00 pm.