Laguna snags win over Godinez

The Laguna Beach softball team bounced back from its first loss of the 2011 Orange Coast League race Friday by coming from behind to earn a 9-8 victory over visiting Godinez at Thurston Middle School.

The Breakers were able to run their league record to 2-1 by scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh to overcome the Grizzlies.

Laguna, now 8-4 overall, heading into spring break in second-place in the league standings.

The Breakers seemingly were on their way to a big win, taking a comfortable, 7-1 lead after scoring five runs in the bottom of the fourth. Godinez, however, came right back to score five runs in the top of the fifth to pull to within a run, then took the lead by scoring two runs in the sixth. The top of the Breakers’ order went down without a hit in the bottom of the sixth.

In the bottom of the seventh, Laguna’ rally began with walks to Katie Anderson and Karinna Reiss. After Bailey Romatowski’s dropped infield fly advanced the runners, Corey Kent’s single scored Anderson to tie the score (8-8). With Reiss at third, Veronica Clancy laid a perfect bunt along the first base line and raced to first as Reiss slid home. The tag at first on Clancy was late, the ball was dropped and Reiss scored the winning run.

The comeback win came one day after Laguna suffered its first league loss. On April 14, an experienced Calvary Chapel team scored a 15-2 win over the Breakers at Thurston. The Eagles jumped out to a big lead in their half of the first inning, using hits and Laguna errors to build an 8-0 advantage. Laguna got two runs back in the bottom of the second off a single by Taylor Romatowski and an RBI double by Kent.

Laguna starter Haley Putnam took the loss, striking out three and allowing four earned runs.

Putnam struck out five in the win over Godinez.

The Breakers return to league play Monday with a 3:15 p.m. game at Costa Mesa. They’ll also play 3:45 p.m. league home games at Thurston on Tuesday against Saddleback and begin the second-round of league play Thursday against Estancia.

Laguna defeated Estancia, 5-1, in the league opener for both teams on April 12.