Sixth-inning home run dooms Central Catholic in NorCal semis rematch with Lincoln
The rematch of the 2022 NorCal Division II Regional Semifinals between Central Catholic and Lincoln-Stockton was ultimately decided in the sixth inning.
It was Daniella Hunter both times.
Last season, she sent the Raiders home on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to seal a 1-0 lead. On Monday, April 10, the senior sent a ball over the centerfield fence for a two-run shot, giving the Trojans a 3-2 lead. Hunter also pitched a complete game and struck out nine Central Catholic batters in Monday’s 3-2 win.
“We haven’t forgotten (last year) but (Monday) was just another game,” said Central Catholic coach Sam Nichols. “We’re just trying to get better for league … and we know they’re good. We want to be challenged and they’re one of the best teams in NorCal.”
The Raiders outhit the Trojans 5-3 and put runners on base in five of the seven innings, but managed runs only in the bottom of the third.
The Trojans scored first in the top of the opening inning. Two innings later, the Raiders answered.
Taryn Calderon came through with a two-out single and scored in the next at bat when Randi Roelling tripled to even the game at 1-1.
Emry Couch put the ball in play, reaching on an error, allowing Roelling to come across for a 2-1 Raiders’ lead.
Roelling was dealing all game. She struck out a season-high 17 Trojans and after giving up a first-inning run, kept her opponents scoreless for the next four innings.
Lincoln drew a leadoff walk in the top of the sixth and after a groundout, Hunter stepped in. Roelling got ahead with two straight strikes, but the opposing pitcher worked the count back full. On the seventh pitch of the at bat, Hunter sent the eventual game-winning home run over the fence.
Central Catholic got runners on in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings but were unable to tie the game.
“Something we’ve been working on and talking about is for us to … reach our goals, we’re gonna have to do a better job of situational hitting,” Nichols said. “Pitching-wise we did a good job and defensively we did a good job.”
Situational hitting was one of the keys to last year’s 27-win team and Nichols is confident his team will produce when the time comes.
While last year’s team was led by veterans, the Raiders are relatively young this year.
Four freshmen are in the starting lineup and three of them saw plate appearances in the final inning. Jaslene Sanchez recorded the Raiders’ final hit, a single to right field.
“These are big moments for them,” Nichols said. “I’m excited for them to get those opportunities so the next time it comes up, I have no doubt they’ll be ready to go.”
The Raiders are already closing in on last season’s home runs mark.
Last season, they hit 16 home runs. This season, through 13 games, seven batters have combined for 11 bombs. Roelling has produced a team-high four.
“We weren’t capable of that as often last year,” Nichols said.
Roelling’s pitching in 2022 combined with timely hits produced a playoff run that included a trip to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championship. This year’s team is hoping for another deep playoff run.
“I never feel like we’re done,” Nichols said. “We have firepower this year. Almost everyone in the lineup can do it, so I never felt like we’re out of the game.”
