Brooklyn Rackstraw pitched a complete-game victory for Liberty. (Photo by Brian Thornton)
Yasmine Lopez hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 runs Thursday to lead the Liberty High School softball team to a 10-3 win over visiting Arcadia in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs.
The Bison improved their record to 13-9 with the win before their home fans. Liberty scored 2 runs in the 1st inning but fell behind 3-2 in the 3rd before scoring 5 runs in the bottom of that inning. Camryn Rutkoff also homered for Liberty.
Brooklyn Rackstraw pitched a complete game for the Bison, allowing only 3 runs and striking out 5. She has a 10-3 record this season. Liberty will be at home again against Villa Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Heritage 13, Palm Desert 0
In their last 3 games, the Patriots have outscored the opposition, 58-16. They will be at home against Alhambra in the second round of a Division 6 game on Saturday.
Heritage scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 2 more in the 2nd, and led 13-0 by the 5th. Zoe Ramos pitched a complete game with no walks. Allie Garcia had 2 doubles, for the Patriots, who are 11-13.
Coach Alvin Hill had high praise for his players, who have battled back after a rough start to the season.
“We’ve had better hitting, putting hits together,” Hill said. “We’ve been more aggressive at the plate. The girls are also playing better defense, so we don’t have to score so much.
“Lizzette Perez had an outfield assist throwing out a runner at first when she rounded the base. Allie Garcia took a throw from the outfield and threw out a runner at home trying to score.”
Santa Rosa Academy 15, Environmental Charter 5
The Rangers improved their record to 8-8 with the win and will be at home against Cobalt in a Division 8 second-round game on Saturday.
Yasmine Lopez, who had 2 home runs, waits for the pitch. (Photo by Brian Thornton)
Lily Matthews connects for Liberty. (Photo by Brian Thornton)
Yasmine Lopez connects again for the Bison. (Photo by Brian Thornton)
Jolie Tompkins hits a line drive during Thursday’s game. (Photo by Brian Thornton)
