Softball: Simi Valley powers past Esperanza, semifinals next
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Now, that was impressive. Simi Valley, the top-seeded team in the Southern Section-Toyota Division I softball playoffs, scored in each of the first five innings, built an eight-run lead and cruised to an 8-4 quarterfinal victory Monday over Esperanza.
That’s the most impressive victory of the season for Simi Valley, even though it has beaten Marmonte League rival Thousand Oaks three times. The Pioneers were on the road facing a dangerous, unfamiliar team, and they responded like champions.
Sam Fischer had a two-run home run in the first inning, also doubled, scored two runs and drove in a couple more, and Amber Olive scored twice and drove in a run. Amanda Oliveto gave up only four hits (and no runs) in five innings before exiting.
The official scouting report from a buddy after the game: ‘They can hit the ball, dude. They’re no joke in that department.’
Esperanza rallied in the sixth against reliever Kelli-Jo Killingsworth. The threat ended on a fine defensive play by shortstop Fischer who went into the hole on a bang-bang play at first base; had it gone the other way, Esperanza would have had a fifth run in and a runner at first base with two outs.
Simi Valley (29-0) remained unbeaten, and in beating Esperanza (22-7-2), scored its first victory of the season against a team (outside the Marmonte League) that had been consistently ranked in The Times top 25. Esperanza was ranked No. 18 at the end of the regular season.
Simi Valley showed up for its game last Thursday at Esperanza -- the day of the weird weather in Orange County -- but the game had already been postponed. I was surprised that Simi Valley and Esperanza didn’t play Saturday.
Now, with little time to prepare, Simi Valley must play fourth-seeded Norco (29-5). At least the Pioneers will get to do play home, Santa Susana Park, on Tuesday. That’s the easy part.
The tough part will be facing Teagan Gerhart (28-5), Norco’s pitcher. She pitched a two-hitter and struck out 13 on Thursday in a 1-0, eight-inning victory over one of last year’s finalists, Hart. I can guarantee the winning team Tuesday will not score eight runs. In fact, I doubt both teams will combine for half that.
In the other semifinal Tuesday, third-seeded Valencia (27-5-1) will play at second-seeded Corona Santiago (26-3). They played in the final round of the Nike Faster to First tournament, and Santiago scored a 3-0 victory.
-- Martin Henderson