Lady Hornets outlast Roadrunners

Teren Guerra

March 9, 2016

Fullerton used a 3-run 4th inning to regain the lead and relief pitcher Brigid Ruiz took care of the rest, retiring nine of the last 10 batters she faced.

Trailing 4-3 entering the 4th inning the Hornets scored three runs using timely hitting and good base running. The Hornets stole two bases and took advantage of two Roadrunner errors to capture the lead.

Yerrrrr Out — Pitcher Evelyn Hernandez connects with catcher Anissa Loera to strike out Rio Hondo's batter Photo credit: Christian Mesaros

After surrendering four runs in the 2nd inning Hornet Head Coach Marian Mendoza turned to Brigid Ruiz.

Ruiz took the circle in the 3rd inning to shut the Roadrunners out the rest of the game. Ruiz was credited with four strikeouts and retired nine of the last 10 batters she faced to secure a Hornet victory. Ruiz also contributed at the plate two hits and two runs score.

“I wanted to come in and help my team in whatever way I could,” Ruiz said. “I got some confidence and I knew I could over power this team with hitting my spots and my team played good defense.”

Fullerton wasted no time scoring, the first two batters got on base and were able to bring one run in on Ruiz fielders choice.

Get on base — Nia Rodman drives it down the line to acquire a base which turned into a score on the board Photo credit: Christian Mesaros

Rio Hondo scored all their runs in the 2nd inning with only two hits. After walking the first batter, starting pitcher Evelyn Hernandez hit the next batter and was in some trouble. After a single and throwing error, the Roadrunners gained a 2-1 lead. With runners on the corners, Roadrunner Estefany Martinez hit a bases clearing triple to dead center giving the Roadrunners a 4-1 lead.

The Lady Hornets wasted no time getting back into the game scoring two runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Fullerton lead off the inning with back to back singles.

For the Fence — Alexis Pintado swings for the stars and gains a double against Rio Hondo Photo credit: Christian Mesaros

Assistant coach Crystal Aguirre was happy with the win but was not to quick to praise her team.

“We need to do a little better job at the plate, we were able to use good base running on their errors,” Aguirre said. “Going forward we need to make some adjustments at the plate but keep this high energy we’re playing with.”

All-Out — Miranda Hernandez sprints to first base in attempts to outrun her pop fly Photo credit: Christian Mesaros

The Hornets (9-8, 3-2) continue conference play March 9 at home against Riverside College at 3 p.m. and then travel to Golden West College March 11, first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.