Roundup: Harrington strikes out 11 as Turlock beats Pitman in emotional softball game
Turlock High continued to roll in Central California Athletic League play with Thursday’s 8-2 win over Pitman.
Senior pitcher Abbey Harrington struck out five batters in her first three innings of work for the Bulldogs (14-4, 7-2 CCAL) and kept the Pride (6-8, 3-5 CCAL) scoreless until the top of the fourth inning.
When Pitman senior Kayleen Zayehmoureh stepped into the batter’s box for her second at bat of the game in the fourth, she went in with a plan.
“I knew she had been giving a lot of first pitch strikes, so I was ready to hop on that, it’s been the same for all of us,” Zayehmoureh said. “And my coach also gave me a hit and run, so I really didn’t have a choice.”
On the first pitch of the at bat, she launched a two-run shot over the left field fence. Her teammates let out loud cheers and gathered to meet her at home plate as she rounded the bases. In that moment, Zayehmoureh wasn’t worried about the score, or rallying to hopefully complete a comeback win.
“My dad recently passed away,” Zayehmoureh said. “I knew that he was with me on that one. It was for him.”
Zayehmoureh’s father, Carlos Perales, recently died after a battle with cancer and was a big influence in her life and sports career. She has a blue ribbon with his handwriting tattooed on the outside of her right forearm.
“He’s the one who got me into softball.” said Zayehmoureh.
Players from Turlock High joined Zayehmoureh in wearing blue ribbons with Perales’ initials on their batting helmets and there was a moment of silence in his honor prior to the game.
“She is dedicated, she’s strong, she’s hardworking, she pushes through even when she’s struggling.” Harrington said of her friend.
Zayehmoureh’s two-run homer was the Pride’s lone highlight in a game that was otherwise dominated by Turlock.
The Bulldogs scored four runs in the third to break open a five-point lead that they never gave up.
After Ayla Lacerda and Cadence Campbell reached base safely, Harrington brought them home with a two RBI double. In the next at bat, Angie Valenzuela hit her first home run of the season, a towering two-run shot that easily cleared the fence.
Harrington struck out 11 in the game and catcher Hailey Bacon threw out four runners attempting to steal second.
“I’ve been pitching with (Bacon) for two years now and she’s always been a stellar athlete,” Harrington said. “She knows exactly what to do.”
The Bulldogs and Pride continue league play with two road games next week. Turlock plays Gregori on Tuesday and Downey on Thursday. Pitman will play once, at Enochs on Tuesday.
Gregori 10, Downey 0: The Central California Athletic League second place team continued to roll, securing their sixth straight win Thursday. Sophomore Kylee Huff had two hits and a team-high two RBIs.
Enochs 14, Modesto 3: The Eagles (9-7, 5-4 CCAL) scored eight runs in the first inning of their five-inning affair with the Panthers (7-8, 5-4 CCAL). After losing to CCAL-leading Turlock, Enochs has scored 14 or more runs in its last two league games.
Central Valley 6, Buhach Colony 1: The Hawks (4-12, 2-3 CCC) won their second league game, defeating the last-place Thunder. They will look to pick up their third straight win on Tuesday against the Central California Conference’s third place team, Golden Valley.
Stone Ridge Christian 3, Big Valley Christian 2: The Lions (13-2, 2-1 CCAA) had their 13-game win streak snapped in Thursday’s loss. The Lions went into the bottom of the seventh inning down 3-0 but could only bring two runs across as the comeback attempt fell short.
Escalon 6, Riverbank 2: Sophomore Grace Spurgeon finished with two hits and four RBIs and senior Brooke Davis had 11 strikeouts in the Cougars’ (10-6-1, 3-2 TVL) win in their only game this week. They will play Trans-Valley League leader Ripon and Livingston next Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
Atwater 4, Patterson 0: The Tigers (4-8, 2-3 CCC) were shut out in Thursday’s CCC matchup. Amelie Valdez, who leads the state in strikeouts, continued her impressive season, striking out 19 Patterson batters.
Baseball
Oakdale 2, Central Catholic 1: Johnny Wylie did it all for the Mustangs (10-6, 4-2 VOL) in their bounce-back win over Central Catholic (10-7, 5-1 VOL) to hand the Raiders their first Valley Oak League loss. The senior had two hits, two RBIs and struck out nine batters.
Atwater 4, Ripon 3: The Indians (10-6, 5-0 TVL) lost in walk-off fashion in Thursday’s non-league game. The TVL’s top team will get back to league play Friday against Riverbank.
Mariposa County 10, Denair 3: The Coyotes (2-10, 0-8 SL) continued to struggle in Thursday’s Southern Athletic League game. Cooper Feldman (2) and Jackson Hart (1) knocked in the Coyotes’ three runs.
Lathrop 4, Davis 1: The Spartans (2-10, 1-7 WAC) couldn’t get their second Western Athletic Conference win on Thursday. Dominic Tacheira had Davis’ only RBI in the fourth inning.
Orestimba 15, Gustine 6: The Warriors (11-7, 8-0 SL) scored three or more runs in the first, third and fifth innings to pull away from the Reds. Despite being undefeated in SL play, Orestimba is the league’s third place team thanks to a three-way tie with Ripon Christian and Mariposa.
Mountain House 7, Beyer 0: The Patriots (2-10, 2-6 WAC) were shut out for the second time this week. With the win, Mountain House moves to 8-0 in league play.
This story was originally published April 8, 2022 at 10:22 AM.
