Allison Speyshock pitched a complete game shutout and the
Dos Pueblos High softball team advanced out of the opening round of the CIF-SS
Division 4 playoffs with a 10-0 run-rule victory over Santa Paula on Thursday
afternoon.
The Charger’s lineup gained confidence as the game progressed and exploded in the late innings to end the game early in the bottom of the sixth inning. A double to the left field fence by Alison Borden that brought home pinch-runner Akshaya Ramko and Sierra Laughner enacted the run-rule.
“We’ve been living and dying by the big hit and our girls
feel way more comfortable in the box taking big cuts,” said Dos Pueblos coach
Mike Gerken. “They’re experienced enough and I trust them. I’ve got a lot of
faith in all my girls.”
Santa Paula came into the game fresh off a Citrus Coast
League championship and with junior ace Mia Barrozo in the circle figured to be
a formidable opponent.
However, a two-out miscue in the field by Santa Paula in the
bottom of the first inning on a routine fly ball to right field by Sierra
Laughner allowed Allison Gasper and Ramko to score, giving the Chargers a 2-0
lead.
Dos Pueblos tacked on another run in the bottom of the third
when Mikayla Butzke lined a two-out single to left field bringing home Gasper.
The Chargers broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth
inning beginning with a one-out infield single by Josy Uyesaka that scored
Leila Chisholm. Gasper followed with a single left field that brought home
Jenny Nichols. Uyesaka scored on a Santa Paul throwing error before Briana
Castro delivered a towering two-run homer to left field that increased the Dos
Pueblos lead to 8-0.
“For the past two weeks I’ve been working really hard and
getting batting lessons with my other coach,” Castro said. “I performed today, which is exciting because
I finally proved that I can do it myself and I did it for my team because we’ve
had these discussions about playing for one another and I’m happy that I
performed for them.”
Eight runs was more than enough support for the Sienna-bound
Speyshock, who surrendered just three hits in her six innings of work.
Speyshock was battling stomach issues in the morning before the game, but was
able to deliver a gem when it mattered most.
“It’s easier to pitch with a lead. It’s easier to field as a
team with the lead,” Speyshock said. “I think having the eight runs was a lot
of cushion.”
Dos Pueblos will travel to El Segundo for a second round
match on Tuesday.