Cats mercy Rustlers in game 3

The Saddleback softball team bounced back with a 9-1 victory over Golden West College on Friday at Esencia Park.  The Bobcats had a big offensive day, pounding out 14 hits in five innings.

Saddleback dropped the first two games to Golden West on Tuesday and Thursday and had a chance at some redemption on Friday.  The Bobcats received a solid performance on the mound from Alexa Pfutzenreuter while the top four batters in the lineup connected for 11 hits.

The game had an ominous start when Golden West led off the opening inning with a double and advanced the runner to third on a sacrifice bunt.   Pfutzenreuter then got out of the mini jam with a groundout and pop-up to keep the scoreboard empty.

Saddleback then made its own statement in the bottom half of the inning when the Bobcats connected for four hits, including a two-run homer from Mia Calderon. 

Saddleback scored two more times in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-0 lead.  The Bobcats took advantage of a two-out, defensive error from Golden West when Macy Smith singled up the middle to score McKenzie Lombard and and Malia Garcia.

Saddleback led 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning when they struck for four more runs to end the game.      The Bobcats had five hits, with the final two coming with two outs in the inning.  Saddleback led 6-1 when Calderon (pictured) singled home both Skye Manda and Lombard for an 8-1 advantage.  Macy Smith then ended the game with a triple to right-center field, scoring Calderon as the bench erupted. 

Saddleback improved to 11-16 overall and 5-9 in Orange Empire Conference play with the win.  The Bobcats will start a three-game series at Cypress College on Tuesday.