The Pirate softball team split a pair of games Friday on the first day of the Ventura Spring Games at the VC Softball Complex. Ventura fell to Fullerton 3-2 in the morning before coming back to defeat Glendale 7-4 in the afternoon contest. Catcher Aaliyah Arias had a pair of hits against the Vaqueros, including a double, while driving in two runs to help lead to the Pirate win.
Ventura 2, Fullerton 3
Ventura started the tournament with the 9:00 am game, and found it difficult to get going early on. The Pirates gave up a run to the Hornets in the top of the first, and trailed 1-0 until the bottom of the fourth inning.
With one out in the frame, Isabel Gallegos singled. Isabella Ayala then reached base on a fielder's choice in which Gallegos was forced out at second before Courtney Terrazas had an RBI triple to break the ice for the Pirates.
Fullerton managed two runs in the top of the sixth before Ventura scored once in the bottom half of the inning to set the final margin.
Lauren Albrent drew a one-out walk in the sixth and came around to score one out later when Ayala reached base on an error.
VC got the tying run on board in the bottom of the seventh when Ciana Garcia reached on a single, but the Pirates could not move her into scoring position before the side was retired.
Kat Tafoya started the game in the pitcher's circle, giving up three runs on five hits through 5.1 innings. Ashlyn Flinchum came on in relief to pitch 1.2 scoreless innings.
Ventura 7, Glendale 4
The Pirates rebounded in the afternoon, ending their three-game losing streak with a victory over Glendale.
The Vaqueros took the early lead with a pair of runs in the first inning.
VC responded with one run in the bottom half of the frame. With one out, Ahlyssa Guzman singled and stole second before Albrent tripled her home.
Glendale plated two more scores in the top of the third on a two-run home run to left field. The Vaqueros then loaded the bases before the Pirates got out of the inning without further damage.
The defensive stand seemed to energize VC as they responded with five runs in the bottom of the third inning. Guzman led off with a walk and Albrent singled. Both runners moved ahead one base on a passed ball before Gallegos hit an RBI single. One out later Jocelyn Ortega hit an RBI single and followed it up by stealing second. Garcia walked to load the bases and Abby Strong reached base on a fielder's choice on a force out at home. Arias then came up with the big hit, a double that scored two to put VC ahead, and Ashley Perez followed it up with an RBI single to make it 6-4 for the Pirates.
Ventura scored an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Perez reached base on an error, stole second and went to third on a passed ball before Gallegos hit a sacrifice fly to left field to set the final score.
Morgan Albertsen made the start in the pitcher's circle, throwing into the third inning. Flinchum came on in relief, scattering three hits over 4.2 frames and striking out seven to secure the victory for the Pirates.
Ventura continues play in the Spring Games on Saturday March 26. The Pirates will take on Bakersfield at 9:00 am before hosting Santa Barbara in the 2:00 pm game in a non-conference match-up wit hthe WSC North foe. Fans can pre-purchase tickets for the Ventura Spring Games Saturday at https://ventura.vbotickets.com/events.