Cal Hi Softball: News

LA HABRA - California High School's Ashley Beza and Whittier Christian's Courtney McGee engaged in a classic pitching battle in Thursday's nonleague softball game at Whittier Christian.

After nine hard-fought innings, Beza emerged victorious as the Condors defeated the Heralds, 2-1.

Beza, who went the distance, gave up only two hits and struck out 14 batters.

"This was a great win for us because we wanted to come together as a team and that is our goal," Beza said. "I think it was a whole team effort. Everybody did what they were supposed to do."

McGee, who also tossed a complete game, scattered six hits and had 12 strikeouts.

California (4-3) took the lead in the ninth, which started with Janelle Carrasco's infield single. After a walk to Danielle Vela loaded the bases, Beza reached on a fielder's choice. The Heralds' defense tried to force Carrasco at home, but a throwing error allowed Carrasco to score the game's eventual winning run.

The Heralds (4-4) had a chance to win during their final turn at bat, putting two runners on base.

Beza, however, secured the victory by retiring Elda Rosales on a grounder to third.

"That was a great game," California coach Jim Kruse said. "Both pitchers were unbelievable. That is what softball is all about.

"I like how we finished. That last inning, they had two runners on and we still found a way to finish. That was huge to finish strong."

The Condors scored the game's first run in the top of the sixth. With two outs, Rayleen Pallan and Carrasco extended the inning with back-to-back infield singles. Pallan then scored when Krista Mele reached first on a Heralds error.

Whittier Christian responded by tying the game in its half of the sixth. Amanda Perez's leadoff walk set the stage for McGee's run-scoring triple. McGee collected both of the Heralds' hits.