COD Softball grabs first win in PCAC, skewers the Knights, 9-1

COD (3-16; 1-5) snapped a nine game losing streak and grabbed their first ever win in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play as they knocked out the San Diego City Knights (4-13; 1-5) in six innings, 9-1.

The Roadrunners jumped on the board in the top of the second after a leadoff walk by sophomore catcher Darbie Catalfamo (Indio Shadow Hills) then a stolen base, freshman designated player Keana Tolentino (Cathedral City H.S.) would drop a bunt down that the Knights first baseman could not handle.

Sophomore right handed starting pitcher Yizel Nunez (Beaumont H.S.) would her own cause by driving a single plating both Catalfamo and Tolentino, freshman right fielder Arlene Santana (Indio H.S.) would take a two strike pitch to right field to drive in Nunez, 3-0 after 2 innings. 

Nunez would pitch to a total of 15 batters over 4 innings, with very solid defense behind her most notably Catalfamo gunning down a would be stolen base attempt at 3rd with sophomore short stop Taylor Stone (Palm Desert H.S.) covering on the play. 

In the top of the 4th is when the Roadrunners jumped on the scoreboard again with Santana starting the rally with 1 out with an infield single just beating the throw, she would be pushed to 2nd base on a single by sophomore left fielder Amanda Martinez (Indio H.S.) (3-4 on the day with single, double & triple), both girls would score on sophomore center fielder Malissa Nielsen's (Palm Desert H.S.) triple. 

Martinez would come in to relieve the starter Nunez pitching a solid 5th & 6th inning. Martinez would lead the top of the 6th with bang as she put a triple in the gap, she would score during freshman second baseman Jada Toland's (Indio Shadow Hills) at bat, Nielson (3-4, two singles, triple stolen base, 2 RBI) would single and score as Catalfamo (2-3 with two doubles and a stolen base) drove her in with a double. 

In the bottom of the 6th the Roadrunners defense made another huge play on a Knights double to center with the relay from Nielson to Stone to freshman third baseman Rebecca Alford (Thermal Coachella Valley) to nail the runner at 3rd, the Knights would score on that hit but the Roadrunners shut the door and got the final out on the day! 

This marks the Roadrunners first conference win as a member of the PCAC.  

Article by Garrett Estrin (COD Softball Coach)
Photo by Britney Vargas (COD Sports Information)
Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.