Monterey Peninsula hands San José City College a 12-10 road loss

MONTEREY, Calif. — A six-run third inning proved to be the difference as Monterey Peninsula College defeated San José City College 12-10 in a non-conference softball game Tuesday at Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey Peninsula starter Johnny Casares was the key figure on both sides of the ball. The pitcher went 6.1 innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits while walking five, and at the plate went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs, and a run scored.

San José took an early 2-0 lead after plating two runs in the top of the first, but Monterey Peninsula answered emphatically in the bottom of the third with seven runs to take a lead it would not relinquish.

Grace Barnhart delivered the biggest blow of the day, hitting a home run and finishing with three RBIs. Leah Grifall also went deep and drove in two, while Samantha Ortiz, Ky Dahle, Sydney Smith, and Aalyssah Huihui-Martinez each added RBI contributions for the Lobos.

San José had no shortage of offensive production, totaling 13 hits. Second baseman Belle Walker led the way, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a double. Catcher DJ Martinez had a strong day at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a double.

Despite scoring four runs in the fourth and fifth innings, the Jaguars could not overcome the early Monterey Peninsula onslaught. San José starter Makenna Sieling took the loss, lasting only three innings and surrendering six earned runs on six hits.