Chelsea Trejo led the Pirates softball team to a 12-2 victory Thursday at the plate and in the pitcher's circle. The freshman had two hits in the game with two runs scored and a run batted in while pitching a complete game, yielding three hits, striking out four and giving up two runs. Haylie Lopez had a pair of hits, including a double, and two RBI and Savanna Higgins hit a solo home run in Ventura's triumph.
After giving up one run in the top of the first, the Pirates came back with a pair of scores in the bottom half of the frame. Jennie Jacinto led off by reaching second base on an error before stealing third and coming home on a passed ball. With one out Higgins hit a home run to put Ventura ahead 2-1.
The Corsairs tied the game in the top of the third, but the Pirates were having none of that as they responded with a big rally in the bottom of the inning. Alexyss Campos got on base on an error to begin the inning and Jade Loeffler singled her to third one out later. Trejo then hit an RBI single before Alyssa Jacinto reached base on a fielder's choice that scored Loeffler. Kaliona Hernandez followed with another fielder's choice to score Trejo. After a ground ball out, A Jacinto scored on a passed ball before Kiara Harrison walked. J. Jacinto then hit an RBI single to give VC a 7-2 margin.
The Pirates then put the game away with a five-run fourth inning. Loeffler drew a one-out walk and Trejo singled. A. Jacinto also singled to load the bases before the second out of the inning. Next, Lopez knocked in a pair of runs with a double and Harrison walked to re-load the diamond. J. Jacinto was hit by a pitch to force in a score and Campos reached first base on an error leading to two more Pirate runs and a 12-2 advantage.
Trejo retired the side in the top of the fifth to close out the run-rule victory.
Ventura next will host Santa Barbara on Tuesday April 2.