Alyssa Castaneda homered and the Pirates softball team exploded for nine runs in the top of the fifth to win by a 10-0 run-rule decision at Cuesta Tuesday afternoon. Baylany Magana, Aubrey Aguirre and Castaneda each totaled a pair of hits for VC while Castaneda, Dakota Moore and Erika Sanchez all had two runs batted in on the day. The victory ended a three-game losing streak for Ventura, who moved to 14-6 on the year and 3-1 in Western State Conference play.
Ba. Magana pitched a complete game, giving up two hits over five innings with four strikeouts to record the shutout win.
The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when Castaneda knocked a one-out solo home run for the early advantage.
VC then broke through for nine runs, all with two outs, in the top of the fifth, sending 13 batters to the plate. Sophia Valencia led off the inning, reaching first base on a hit by pitch. Ba. Magana followed with a single before Moore's sacrifice bunt moved the runners ahead 60 feet. Jennie Jacinto flied out to right field for the second out of the inning, scoring Valencia on the play. Madison Shay then singled home Magana and Aguirre also singled to force a pitching change for the Cougars. Castaneda singled home a run and Sanchez hit two runs in with a single before Bryanne Magana hit an RBI double. Valencia then hit an RBI single and Ba. Magana walked when Moore tripled home a pair of RBI for the 10-0 margin.
Ventura continues WSC North Division play at home on Thursday Mar. 20, facing off against Moorpark at 2:30 pm.