PIRATES ADVANCE TO SUPER REGIONALS!!!!!

MJC Drops first Playoff Game

Modesto, CA SJDC 4- MJC 2:  In an intense matchup, San Joaquin Delta emerged victorious over the home team with a 4-2 win, to take a 1-0 lead in the best of three playoff series.  Modesto, despite outhitting San Joaquin Delta, fell for the first time this season to the Mustangs after sweeping the Big 8 series 3-0.

The game began quietly, with neither team scoring in the first inning. However, San Joaquin Delta took the initiative in the second inning. K.Mazza hit a double to right center, driving in a run and benefiting from a throwing error to score an unearned run. This early lead set the tone for San Joaquin Delta, who maintained control throughout the game.

In the fifth inning, San Joaquin Delta extended their lead. H. Bacon doubled to left field, bringing Mazza home for another unearned run. Shortly after, H. Kobler doubled down the left-field line, allowing L. Asato to score and putting San Joaquin Delta ahead 4-0.

Modesto attempted a comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning. B. Heffernan (Ceres HS) hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Sophia Coronado (Kimball HS) to score their first run of the game. Modesto added another run in the sixth inning when Kesaia Faasisila (Tracy HS) singled up the middle, bringing in an unearned run by Cailey Jermain (Orestimba HS).

Despite Modesto's efforts, the lack of timely hitting by the Pirates proved to be the difference as they stranded 10 runners on base for the game.  

Modesto's Heffernan also pitched a complete game, giving up six hits and four runs (two earned) with three strikeouts. However, the two errors by Modesto's defense proved costly, as they allowed San Joaquin Delta to capitalize on their opportunities.

The game was attended by 119 fans as they the two teams face each other for the 4th time this year.

Pirates Tie the Series 1-1 after Explosive First Inning

Modesto, CA MJC 12-SJDC 5:  In game 2 of the series the host team Pirates were the visiting team in the second game and took full advantage of batting first. The Pirates exploded for a 6 run first inning and defeated San Joaquin Delta by a decisive 12-5 margin. This victory marked a compelling performance that showcased their batting depth, as they racked up 13 hits over the course of the game.

From the outset, Modesto seized control of the game with a blistering first inning. Scoring six runs, Modesto's aggressive approach silenced the Mustang crowd as MJC capitalized on nine hits and ten runs (seven earned) over just two innings before the Mustangs make a pitching change.

Modesto continued to dominate at the plate. Key performances included Katelyn Bridgeman (Tracy HS) and Heffernan, who each drove in three runs. Notably, Heffernan also excelled on the mound, pitching all seven innings and registering his 21st win of the season. Her pitching efficiency was crucial, as he navigated through 33 batters while allowing five runs, all earned, on ten hits.

San Joaquin Delta struggled defensively, committing three errors which exacerbated their challenges. Despite a tenacious effort, including notable hits like T. Fornaciari's triple and contributions from B. Preece with two RBIs, San Joaquin Delta couldn't bridge the gap after the early deficit.

Modesto's performance was marked by strategic base running, highlighted by Allie Vincent (Kimball HS) steal and subsequent score on a throwing error, exemplifying their all-around sharp play. The Pirates secured their first playoff win in over two decades in front of a massive crowd of nearly 150 spectators.

This matchup underscored Modesto's ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain pressure, a testament to their season-long momentum and a sign of their potential in upcoming fixtures.

Pirates Win Again – Advance to Super Regional

Modesto, CA SJDC 2 – MJC 8:  With the season on the line and the Pirates holding a season 4-1 record against the opposing Delta College Mustangs tension in the complex could be cut with a knife.  The community of spectators from both squads that are only 35 miles apart got to witness a compelling matchup between San Joaquin Delta and Modesto. Modesto showcased their prowess on the field, securing a commanding 8-2 victory and berth to the 3C2A Super Regionals.

Modesto wasted no time establishing their dominance, scoring two runs in the first inning courtesy of a well-placed single from KK Zayehmoureh (Pitman HS), which brought home Coronado and Faasisila. San Joaquin Delta struggled to respond initially but found their stride in the fourth inning, leveling the score at 2-2. A sacrifice fly by T. Fornaciari and an unfortunate error allowed them to momentarily catch up.

However, Modesto retaliated vigorously in the bottom of the fourth inning, reclaiming the lead with a four-run surge. Mahaila Guzman (Riverbank HS) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Emily Tyler (Gregori HS) capitalized on San Joaquin Delta's misstep, and another single from Coronado widened the gap further. Zayehmoureh's sacrifice fly brought in two additional runs, solidifying Modesto's lead at 6-2.

Modesto continued their offensive momentum in the subsequent innings, with Vincent and Bridgeman driving in additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively, concluding the game at 8-2.

S. Coronado emerged as a pivotal figure for Modesto, contributing significantly with three runs, two hits, and an RBI. Zayehmoureh's consistent hitting drove in four RBIs, further cementing Modesto's dominance in the game. Heffernan's performance on the mound was instrumental, allowing only four hits and two unearned runs over seven innings, earning her the win with a record of 22-9.


Series Highlights:

KK Zayehmoureh led the offense this weekend going 7-10, 2 Runs and 4 RBI's; Sophia Coronado was 5-11 on the weekend with 6 Runs and 2 BB. Kesaia Faasisila 5-10; 3 Runs and an RBI. Allie Vincent was 4-9; 1 Run and 2 RBI's.  Heffernan's weekend included pitching all three 7 inning games for a total of 21 innings allowing 11 Runs with 20 hits and 12 strike outs giving her 182 on the season.  The Pirates advance to Super Regionals for the first time in two decades and as the series came to a close College of Sequoias was upset by visiting Monterey Peninsula College allowing the Pirates to host on May 9^th and 10^th.

For the first time ever, MJC Pirates will host a Super Regional Second Round Playoff game.

The Pirates will face Monterey Peninsula College (19-17) as they beat College of Sequoias beating them twice on Saturday to claim their series win.  Pirates are ranked #6 to Monterey's #13 entitling MJC to host the games.

Game 1 will be at 2pm on Friday and Game 2 will be on Saturday 12pm and if necessary 2pm all at Pirates Softball Complex