Pirates Super Regional Champions
Pirates Sweep Lobos and Advance to 3C2A State Finals
The Modesto Junior College Pirates emerged victorious in the 3C2A Super Regional Championship, defeating the Monterey Peninsula College Lobos with a convincing 6-2 win on Friday, followed by an 8-1 triumph on Saturday. The Pirates showcased exceptional prowess on both offense and defense, cementing their place as champions over the weekend.
**Modesto Secures Victory Over Monterey Peninsula with Early Inning Surge**
Modesto, CA - GAME 1: MPC 2-MJC 6 -In a matchup that showcased the prowess of Modesto's offense, they triumphed over Monterey Peninsula with a 6-2 win at their home ground. The game, which lasted just under two hours, saw Modesto capitalize on a powerful third inning to seal the victory in front of 107 spectators.
The game began with Modesto taking an early lead in the first inning, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Zayehmoureh (Pitman HS) which brought Sophia Coronado (Kimball HS) home for an unearned run. However, it was the third inning that proved decisive for Modesto. Zayehmoureh continued to make an impact, hitting a double to left center that brought Kesaia Faasisila (Tracy HS) home. Shortly after, Brooklyn Heffernan (Ceres HS) added to the tally with a single that allowed Zayehmoureh to score.
The highlight of the inning was undoubtedly Emily Tyler's (Gregori HS) three-run homer to left field, which extended Modesto's lead to 6-0, driving in Frankie Paz (West HS) and Brooklyn Heffernan (Ceres HS). This explosive inning put Modesto in a commanding position, with Monterey Peninsula struggling to mount a comeback.
Monterey Peninsula's response came in the fifth inning when C. Camarena hit a single to left center, bringing J. Chiewpani and J. Hernandez home. Despite this effort, Camarena was out at second, and the team was unable to further close the gap, leaving the final score at 6-2 in favor of Modesto.
Modesto's pitcher, Heffernan, delivered a solid performance, pitching all seven innings and allowing only two runs on six hits. Heffernan's effective control and the support from his defense ensured Monterey Peninsula could not threaten Modesto's lead.
On the Monterey Peninsula side, A. Visesio pitched all six innings, conceding six runs (four earned) on eight hits. Despite this, Visesio managed to limit any further scoring from Modesto after the third inning.
This victory improves Modesto's record to 26-13-1 overall and 15-6 in conference play, demonstrating their strong standing this season. Monterey Peninsula, on the other hand, falls to 19-18 overall and 6-8 in conference.
Pirates Clinch 3C2A Super Regional Championship with Commanding Win Over Lobos
GAME 2: MJC 8-MPC 1- In the decisive game on Saturday, played out at Modesto, CA, the Pirates took an early lead in the first inning when KK Zayehmoureh's (Pitman HS) sacrifice fly brought home Kesaia Faasisila (Tracy HS), marking a 1-0 advantage. The Lobos managed to tie the game in the fourth inning with a run by K. Manuofeto, driven in by A. Visesio, but that was as close as they would get.
Modesto's offense ignited in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a fielding error that allowed Allie Vincent (Kimball HS) to score, bringing the lead to 2-1. Faasisila extended the margin with a bunt single that sent Sophia Coronado (Kimball HS) home. The highlight of the inning came when Katelyn Bridgeman (Tracy HS) tripled to right field, driving in both Zayehmour and Faasisila, pushing the Pirates' lead to 5-1.
The Pirates sealed their victory with a three-run seventh inning. Broklyn Heffernan (Ceres HS) contributed with a single that scored Zayehmoureh, while Frankie Paz's (West HS) hit sent Bridgeman across the plate. An error by the Lobos allowed Sophia Dematteo (Riverbank HS) to score, cementing the final score at 8-1.
B. Heffernan, who took the mound for the Pirates, delivered a masterful performance, pitching a complete game. Heffernan allowed only one run on seven hits, striking out six and walking one to earn the win, improving his record to 24-9.
A. Visesio of the Lobos was charged with the loss, surrendering eight runs (five earned) on 12 hits over seven innings. Despite seven hits and multiple baserunners, the Lobos struggled to capitalize, hindered by three defensive errors.
Faasisila and Zayehmoureh were pivotal for the Pirates, each contributing significantly to the offense with a combined five runs and three RBIs. Bridgeman's two RBIs and triple in the fifth were crucial to breaking the game open.
The Pirates' victory was witnessed by 136 attendees, with the game wrapping up in a brisk 1 hour and 44 minutes. This dominant performance secured the Pirates' spot as the 3C2A Super Regional championships.
MJC will travel to West Valley College in Saratoga, CA to begin State tournament play on Thursday vs Orange Coast @ West Valley College 2pm
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