Seven is usually a lucky number for many people, but for the Ventura College softball team, seven became that much unlucky as they committed seven errors in a 7-2 loss at Mount San Antonio College May 1 in the first game of the Southern California Regionals.
The Pirates (27-16) play a three-game series with the Mounties (32-10), who have won four state titles in the past seven years, took advantage of the Pirates’ seven costly errors and converted them into seven runs.
The seven unearned runs proved to be the difference maker in a game they could have won had they not committed any errors.
Pirates starter Angela Ayala struck out three in 3 innings pitched, but allowed six runs, all unearned, on four hits and committed three errors in the game.
Janessa Pulido pitched 2 innings and allowed two hits, one run and struck out three. Crystal Bingham pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game.
According to Pirates assistant head coach Ginger Gutierrez, it was difficult to watch the Pirates have sloppy fielding.
“We were clumsy,” said Gutierrez. “This is something we were working on before this game and knowing that, it’s frustrating for everyone.”
Carlie Callaway, Brandi Segovia and Shianne Sharpe each had two hits for the Pirates. Segovia drove in Callaway for both of the Pirates runs in the game.
With the Pirates finishing the series Sunday, Gutierrez wants her team to be ready for by moving past the loss and focusing on the next game.
“What we need is a good night’s sleep and then we’ll come out tomorrow ready to play,” said Gutierrez. “Our girls are very capable of succeeding in this series and they know it.”
Game 2 of the series at Mt. SAC will take place Sunday at 2 p.m. with the potential game 3 to follow directly after.
Despite the loss, Pirates infielder Vanessa Barretto believes the team will be able to bounce back and sweep Sunday’s doubleheader.
“We’re disappointed with the loss, but we’re going to do the best we can to not let that negatively affect our next two games,” said Barretto.
“I don’t think there is anyone on the team that doesn’t believe we can still win this series.”
