Sports

SOFTBALL: Hillsdale Routs Cap 6-0 in Early Test

Visitors batter Mustangs for eight hits in important early battle of PAL Bay Division favorites; Tyler and Yo both enjoy two-RBI days as Knights produce statement win.

The Score: Hillsdale 6, Capuchino 0.

The Star: Hillsdale High catcher Courtney Tyler sparked the visitors’ surprising eight-hit assault with a 2-for-4 showing that included plenty of pop in a battle of Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division favorites on Tuesday afternoon. The sophomore No. 3 hitter opened the scoring with a two-out, two-run double against Capuchino ace Michele Pilster (5-2) in the third inning, and then ignited a surge that made it 5-0 in the fifth by crushing a two-out double to left field.

The Turning Point: The top of the third inning set the tone for the game. Hillsdale’s Ashley Izumi led off the inning by striking out, but she reached base after a dropped third strike and subsequent throwing error (the first of two such plays in the inning). Danielle Fonseca added a one-out single and then Tyler gave her team a 2-0 lead by ripping an opposite-field double to right on the first pitch she saw. That cushion proved more than enough for Hillsdale right-hander Jordan Richwood, who allowed only a bunt single through six innings.

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The Quote: “We just need to stay hitting. If we hit, we’re a good team. If we hit, we won’t be beat.” – Knights senior cleanup batter Kaylin Stewart, on the key to her team’s success.

What’s Next? Hillsdale hosts Mills on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in a PAL Bay Division game.

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The Bottom Line: The defending champion Knights prevailed convincingly in an important battle of PAL Bay Division contenders. In just its second league game, Hillsdale (5-2, 2-0 PAL Bay) faced a loaded Cap team that went 11-3 in league last year and is intent on improving on that second-place finish. But the Knights delivered a blow to Cap’s title hopes, and sent a statement to the rest of the league that they remain the team to beat.

Notes: With most key players back on both teams – and with senior hurlers on both sides – Capuchino and Hillsdale both harbor PAL Bay Division and Central Coast Section championship hopes. … In the first of the teams’ two league meetings, Hillsdale looked noticeably more polished at the plate and in the circle. A stunning seven Knights registered hits against Pilster (10 strikeouts and four walks), and four had at least one RBI. Meanwhile, Capuchino (5-2, 2-1) managed three singles, two of which didn’t leave the infield, against the Memphis-bound Richwood, who struck out 11 and walked two. … Both teams experienced plenty of mishaps in the field. Cap had four errors, to Hillsdale’s three. … Knights newcomer Keonie Yo enjoyed a solid showing against a top pitcher. The center fielder went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. … Cap struggled out of the gates last season as well, but reeled off a 17-game win streak and later advanced to the CCS Division III title game.

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Hillsdale 6, Capuchino 0

H – 002 030 1 – 6 8 3

C – 000 000 0 – 0 3 4

WP: Richwood. LP: Pilster (5-2).

2B: H: Tyler 2, Yo. 2 hits: H: Tyler. 2 RBI: H: Tyler, Yo.

Records: Hillsdale 5-2, 2-0 PAL Bay. Capuchino 5-2, 2-1.


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