REDLANDS – The host Citrus Valley High softball team spotted Redlands a five-run first-inning lead before storming back for a 9-7 victory.
The Blackhawk triumph came on Thursday in a Citrus Belt League game. It allowed Citrus Valley (11-7 overall, 1-1) to remain in a second-place tie with Beaumont, Redlands East Valley, and Cajon.
Yucaipa (11-7, 2-0) is alone in first place.
“We had some crucial hits when we needed them,” Citrus Valley coach Lenny Duran said. “Our bats are going to push us through, but we need to play (better defense).”
It was a sloppy game, with both teams making six errors.
Citrus Valley made four first-inning errors to aid Redlands’ five-run first inning. Kierstin Madrid pounded a two-run double and Sofia Akimoto and Shay Figueroa contributed singles.
“We need to play catch,” said Duran, referring to the Blackhawks’ lackluster defensive effort.
Trailing 5-2, Citrus Valley scored five times in the third inning to take a 7-5 lead. Redlands made four errors in the inning and Citrus Valley’s Chloe Hearrell unloaded a two-run double.
“We made too many mistakes in the field, and they had a big inning because of those mistakes,” Redlands coach Nate Roque said. “But I’m proud of our girls; they battled.”
Said Hearrell of her big hit, “I just wanted to hit something on the ground and score some runs for my team. I was just looking for my pitch. It felt great.”
Redlands tied the game 7-7 in the fourth with two runs. Makayla Stark had a hit for the Terriers and Kaylah Knudsen smacked a run-scoring double.
Citrus Valley pushed across two runs in the bottom of the fourth to close out the scoring. Another Terrier error plagued the visitors and Jestine Citlau knocked in a run with a groundout.
Chloe Hearrell and Addison King led Citrus Valley with two hits and two runs batted in each. Madison Marquez and Leah Leivas each had a hit.
Citrus Valley’s Olivia Acuna did a nice job in relief, pitching four innings and allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits while striking out one and walking one.
Madrid led Redlands with two hits and two RBI. Akimoto, Knudson, Figueroa, Mendoza, and Katelyn Marcus each had a hit. Knudson and Madrid both drove in two runs.
Redlands sophomore pitcher Mallary Conway pitched six innings and allowed six hits and nine runs (one earned) while striking out four and walking four.
“She’s a grinder,” Roque said. “She’s been great for us.”
CBL standings – Yucaipa 11-7, 2-0; Beaumont 6-8, 1-1; Redlands East Valley 7-12, 1-1; Cajon 5-7, 1-1; Citrus Valley 11-7, 1-1; Redlands 4-11, 0-2.
