Escalon High softball wins third straight section title behind seven-run sixth inning
Since her freshman year, Escalon junior Sage Davis has had the nickname “Big Game Sage.”
“I always fee like I have high expectations,” Davis said. “I want to come through at the right time.”
Davis did just that on Tuesday in the biggest of moments with a go-ahead two-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Cougars’ won their third straight section title with a 11-6 win over Linden in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division V Championship at the Arnaiz Softball Complex in Stockton.
“We played as a team and as a family all year,” Cougars coach Art Brooks said. “They knew what the mission was tonight and we had a couple of huge hits. We knew they (Linden) were not going to lie down and go away.”
Escalon (19-8-1) led 4-3 heading into the sixth inning until the Lions scored three runs, two of which coming from back-to-back walks with the bases loaded.
But the Cougars responded with seven runs in the bottom of the sixth. After Davis’ two-run double, senior Hailie Webster launched a three-run home run to left field in the next at-bat to increase Escalon’s lead to four.
“I was clear-headed and ready to go and saw it (the pitch she wanted) and went for it,” Webster said.
Escalon senior pitcher Arabella Strach struck out two batters and allowed a walk before a ground out to first base ended the game and gave the Cougars another crown.
“It was wild,” Webster said. “We wanted to do it (win a title) for the school and town.”
Woodland Christian 5, Ripon Christian 3: Junior Madison DeGraff was 4-for-4 with two runs scored but the Knights (23-5) fell in the Div. VI Championship on Tuesday.
Ripon 5, Liberty Ranch 1: Junior Mackenzie Hutchinson had a three-run home run for the Indians (22-2). Ripon plays the winner of Calaveras/Casa Roble on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Arnaiz Softball Complex.
Baseball
Central Catholic 5, Livingston 4: The Raiders (17-12) won their elimination game and will face the loser of Los Banos/Casa Roble on Thursday. Senior Orlando Leon had a three-run triple for Central Catholic.
Oakdale 3, Atwater 1: Senior pitcher Josh Garcia threw a complete game in the win for the Mustangs (21-9).
Bear River 4, Hughson 3: The Huskies (21-6-2) had their season end in the Div. V playoffs.
Waterford 8, Ripon Christian 6: The Wildcats (16-12) advanced to the Div. VI Championship on Monday at 10 a.m. against Mariposa.
MJC baseball adds more signees: The Modesto Junior College baseball team now has seven players signed to play NCAA baseball next year at various levels.
Sophomore pitchers Jackson Bennett (Simpson University) and Brandon Peterson (Hawaii Pacific University) and catcher Brandon Booz (Hawaii Pacific University) all recently signed their letters of intent.
Sophomore pitchers Blane Abeyta (University of Nevada), Tanner Shears (Sacramento State), Landon Curtis (University of the Pacific), and outfielder Jonathan Temple (University of Valparaiso) all signed earlier in the year.
The Pirates made the playoffs but fell to Santa Rosa in the first round.
This story was originally published May 21, 2019 at 11:16 PM.
