Heritage freshman Giuliana Gomez reacts and is welcomed home after hitting a game-tying, 3-run home run. (Photos by Action Captures Media)
It was fitting that the only Menifee area team left in either the CIF softball or baseball playoffs won with a wild last-inning rally against visiting Alhambra Saturday afternoon.
The Heritage High softball team entered the bottom of the 7th inning trailing by 3 runs. The Patriots put 2 runners on, setting the stage for freshman Giuliana Gomez, who hit a 3-run home run to tie the game, 7-7. But the Patriots weren’t done yet.
After Heritage put 2 more runners on 2nd and 3rd base with 2 outs, Delilah Diaz hit a high bouncer to shortstop. Unfortunately for Alhambra, the 1st baseman didn’t cover the bag, so there was no play. The final run came in to score, starting a wild celebration.
Defensively, Aryah Phiatkeo made several key plays at 3rd base to keep her team in the game.
The area’s lone representative remaining in team sports this school year, Heritage will advance to an unusual quarterfinal matchup where both teams are under .500 for the season. The Patriots are 12-13 overall and Irvine is 13-16. The CIF office has not yet announced which team will be the home team on May 20.
Heritage 2nd baseman Meghan Bradley avoids the runner and makes the throw to first. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Zoey Ramos delivers a pitch for the Patriots. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Third baseman Aryah Phiatkeo makes a strong throw to first. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
