The SRJC softball team did all the right things to pick up a doubleheader sweep against the Modesto Junior College Pirates April 6 at Marv Mays Field.
The Pirates led 2-1 until the bottom of the fourth inning, when the Bear Cubs swung ahead 3-2.
Later in the fifth inning, SRJC pitcher Courtney Lucchesi hit a two-run double to center field. The play continued as Lucchesi took advantage of the Pirates’ two throwing errors with an in-the-park homerun, pushing the lead to 6-2.
SRJC kept the momentum going in the sixth inning when catcher Megan Stroud drove in two runs to finalize the score at 8-2.
In the second game, the Bear Cubs shut the Pirates out 3-0, scoring off two homeruns. Third baseman Chrissy Pierce hit a two-run homer in the first inning, while Lucchesi hit one out of the park in the fourth.
This sweep gives the Bear Cubs momentum to finish the rest of their conference games strong and remain contenders in post-season play.
“These wins were important for our team heading into playoffs. It showed our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to work on,” said outfielder Courtnie Morton.
The Bear Cubs know that if they want to make a run in the post-season, they must come together as a team and work hard.
“We need to work on defense with runners on and communication,” Morton said. “Also, we need to practice timely hitting because there’s no way we can leave runners on base and win games in playoffs.”
As the season winds down, SRJC is concentrating on moving up in the rankings for post-conference play.
Ranked third in the Big 8 with a conference record of 9-5 (23-9-1 overall), each match in the regular season is a must win.
With seven games left, including the next game against conference leader Sacramento City College, the Bear Cubs need to rely on the team chemistry that has got them thus far.
“For Tuesday’s game, we just need to come together as a team,” Morton said. “We always play well against good teams, so as long as we’re hitting well and stay focused, we should have no trouble coming out on top.”
The team will play Sac City at 3 p.m. April 9 at SRJC’s Marv Mays Field.