July 3, 2024
LOVELAND, Colo. – Kicking off their 2024 run at the Triple Crown Sparkler Juniors event, the 14u Central Coast Cruisers (Lompoc, CA) had a pros-and-cons type of vibe after their first game, a 5-5 tie against Texas Blaze-Guerin.
But there were no regrets or second thoughts after their nightcap assignment at Centennial Park as the Cruisers ran wild for a 15-1 victory over Colorado Force-Benson (Colorado Springs).
Jumping ahead 3-0 after one inning, the Cruisers were in the field for about 90 seconds as starting pitcher Angelica Chavez rang up a strikeout and two outfield flyballs, and the offense dug in to post five runs and build a comfortable lead. And after a seven-run showing in the third inning, the game ended shortly thereafter, capped by a scoreless inning from reliever Lily Pottle.
“It felt good I didn’t have to pitch to more than three batters there,” said Chavez, who had three strikeouts in her two innings. “I felt like I was doing my job and had a sense of accomplishment. I wasn’t that frustrated about the tie – I know we could have done better, but that was a pretty good game.”
Ava Salazar had two hits and a sacrifice fly for the Cruisers, closing with three RBI. Chavez had two hits, including a double, and two RBI, and Emma Barragan finished with three runs.
The Cruisers were relentless on the basepaths and came to bat 24 times in the game, while the Force had just 13 at-bats.
“I was just trying to hit the ball and get on base, make sure not to strike out,” Salazar said. “We knew we just had to better the second game. There are always things we can fix, but we played pretty good.”
“Both teams in the tie game knew they underachieved, probably felt a little rusty,” said Cruisers coach Codie Blea. “We came back and played our game, bottom line. We didn’t let it affect us. We’re very aggressive, and we try to use up all the game time we have to play ball.
“Angelica has great spin on the ball, great control and pitches to our defense fantastically. It’s really cool.”
Pandora Morrow had a triple and double for the Cruisers. Kay Fielder singled and scored a run for the Force in the second inning.
