PETALUMA SOFTBALL: T-Girls run by Analy in crucial SCL game

In the anticipated battle for first place in the Sonoma County League softball race, the Petaluma T-Girls converted pivotal base-running opportunities to knock off second-place Analy, 4-1.

T-Girl base runners fired up the jets on base hits to the outfield by scoring three times without a play in the fourth inning. On each safety, Petaluma challenged the arms of the Lady Tigers and scored on base hits by Emily Corda and pitcher Emily O’Keefe. In the case of O’Keefe, it was a two-run single, and there was no play because of an extremely aggressive jump on contact.

Overall, both teams had a solid afternoon at the plate. Analy and Petaluma were credited with 10 hits each, but the frustrated Lady Tigers stranded eight runners in three early innings. Analy left 11 runners on base.

Twice Analy loaded the bases, but the visitors scored only one run in their first at bat to open the game.

In the third frame, Analy loaded the bases for with no outs against O’Keefe, but did not challenge the T-Girl outfielders on two consecutive medium-deep fly balls. One run on 10 base hits proved to be less than a formula for victory in the important clash of the top teams in the SCL.

Following consecutive singles and a walk to Katie Morita, the Tigers appeared to be ready to pounce and break a 1-1 tie. A line drive to Petaluma sophomore right fielder Alexis Silinonte didn’t get anything done as she hustled the ball toward the plate while the runner retreated at third base.

O’Keefe then got a fly ball into left field, and Corda made a catch and throw to again prevent the lead run from scoring. A swinging third strike by the next batter ended the threat.

Petaluma finally put together a rally against Tiger pitcher Saja Spearman-Weaver in the bottom of the fourth. It was small ball at its best.

An infield single by Silinonte got things started. A sacrifice bunt moved Silinonte to second where she scored on a ground ball up the middle off the bat of Corda. With two outs, O’Keefe ripped a base hit into the gap and two runners, running on contact, quickly scored. Kailee Silaci, the second runner, crossed the plate without a throw.

Petaluma opened a two-game lead over Analy in the SCL standings by improving to 7-0 with the win.

O’Keefe had an outstanding day, recording her 12th win of the season in addition to three hits and two RBIs. Catcher Miranda Swanson and Corda had the other two RBIs for Petaluma.

Analy (10-9) matched the T-Girls in total hits, led by Kaiya Ming with three singles. The Tigers put the ball in play from the top to the bottom of their lineup.

Earlier in the week, freshman Grace Ghiradelli pitched Petaluma to a 14-1 five-inning win over El Molino in a SCL game played in Forestville. She allowed just four hits, walking three and striking out 10.

Petaluma scored six runs in each of the second and third innings to set the game on a five-inning track.

Ghiradelli also had two hits, one a double, and drove in three runs for the T-Girls. Paulina Binsfeld also had two hits and scored twice.

Other hits came from Cassie Baddeley, Lauren Gallagher, Silacci, Emily Decarli, Silinonte, O’Keefe, Miranda Swanson and Joelle Krist,