SALINAS VALLEY — Softball season is off and running, as two of the four South Monterey County teams are starting strong.
King City Mustangs
Last weekend King City Mustangs played at the Monterey Peninsula Softball Invitational, during which they won all three of their games — 8-5 over Soquel, 4-3 over Stevenson and 14-3 over Alisal.
With three straight wins on Saturday, the Lady Mustangs softball team improves their record to 8-2 overall and is currently riding a six-game winning streak.
Malaya Carrillo was the winning pitcher in all three games on Saturday, improving her record to 8-2 on the season. Gisela Contreras had five hits with two doubles, one triple and five RBIs also that day.
In addition, Skila Reyes had four hits, one triple and four RBIs, while Julia Mendez and Julissa Soto each hit two doubles and three RBIs.
The Lady Mustangs, who have been on the road since March 1, will finally get to play a home game when they host Gonzales on March 18. Before that, however, they will travel to Monterey and North Salinas.
Greenfield Bruins
Greenfield Bruins are currently 4-5, while splitting their season series with Soledad.
After getting crushed by Soledad 12-2 in their first matchup on March 9, the Lady Bruins made a pitching change for their second game on March 11. Greenfield turned to their three-sport superstar Linda Ornelas to slow down the Soledad bats.
The move worked as they ended the game early with a 10 Run Rule, winning 17-7.
In the Watsonville tournament on March 5, during which Greenfield went 2-1, Mikayla Sanchez pitched a no-hitter against Monte Vista Christian. The Bruins’ Andrea Parker, however, leads the team in RBIs, homeruns and hits.
Greenfield’s next game is March 18 against Pajaro Valley.
Soledad Aztecs
Soledad Aztecs’ current record is 2-5, with wins coming over Greenfield and Oak Grove.
Last week the Lady Aztecs had two games against Greenfield. In the first matchup, they were able to smash the Greenfield pitching, scoring 12 runs and ending the game early due to the 10 Run Rule. Soledad hit three home runs, winning the game by a score of 12-2.
In the second matchup, the Soledad bats showed up, but Greenfield returned the favor and beat them 17-7.
In their win against Greenfield, Soledad’s Miranda Gonzales threw four innings to get the win. Kyanna Medina hit two of the Aztecs’ three home runs during the game with Greenfield.
Next, Soledad will play Stevenson on Wednesday and Pacific Grove on March 22.
Gonzales Spartans
After dropping their first two games of the season, the Gonzales Spartans have gone 3-1 in their last four games.
During their three-game winning streak, the Lady Spartans’ pitching staff gave up just four runs, while their bats produced 29 runs.
Celeste Camarena leads the Spartans in hits with 14. In their 7-0 win over Stevenson, Alex Guerrero pitched seven shutout innings with 12 strikeouts.
Gonzales will face Santa Catalina School on Wednesday, followed by matches against King City on Friday and Monte Vista Christian next Tuesday.
