After yielding four unearned runs in falling behind 7-0, the Pirate softball team mounted a comeback that fell just short in their 7-5 decision at Santa Ana Tuesday afternoon in Orange County. VC gave up unearned single scores in the scores in the second and third innings before allowing two more unearned scores in a five-run fourth for the 7-0 deficit. Ventura (4-2) scored five times in the final three frames to make things close. Adriana Clemons had a pair of hits, including a double, and two runs batted in to lead VC.
After giving up unearned single runs in the second and third innings, VC allowed five runs in the fourth inning, only three of which were earned, on just three hits to fall behind 7-0.
Ventura began a comeback in the top of the fifth with three scores. With one out, Cassidy Craig and Jenesa Monje had back to back singles, then Kali Brown reached first on an error to load the bases. Kaylee Neal knocked in one run with a sacrifice fly before Clemons doubled to left field to plate two more scores.
In the sixth, Serrina Cabral led off with a bunt single, and after advancing to second and third on consecutive ground ball outs, scored on Craig's single to left field.
In the top of the seventh inning, Ventura's comeback continued with a two-out rally, Clemons reached base on an error, then scored on Marisa Felix's base hit. Unfortunately for the Pirates, they ran out of outs, and fell by a final 7-5 margin.
Craig knocked out a pair of singles with one RBI and a run scored while Cabral, Brown and Monje each had one hit with a run scored. Meanwhile Felix had a hit with an RBI. Jessica Mendoza pitched a complete game, giving up three earned runs while striking out three.
Ventura is scheduled to return home to face Antelope Valley on Thursday Feb. 14. Weather permitting, the first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the VC Softball Complex.