May 1, 2025
By GameChanger Media
San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars took Thursday’s game in dramatic fashion, with a 5-4 walk-off victory over Soquel Varsity Knights. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the seventh when Sophia Sarmiento doubled, scoring one run.
Soquel Varsity Knights were the first to get on the board in the fourth when Mia Riddle singled, scoring one run.
Grace Purtscher singled to center field, which helped San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars tie the game at one in the bottom of the fourth.
In the top of the fifth, Soquel Varsity Knights broke up the tie when Emma Niizawa drew a walk, scoring one run. Then a fielder’s choice by Kate Silva followed to extend the lead to 4-1.
San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars tied the game in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a single by Maddy Murphy, and a sacrifice bunt by Audrey Jouglet.
Purtscher earned the win for San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars. The pitcher gave up zero hits and zero runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking one. Ellie Howell took the loss for Soquel Varsity Knights. The pitcher went one and two-thirds innings, surrendering three runs on five hits, striking out none and walking none. Abi Krepelka started in the circle for San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars. The hurler surrendered five hits and four runs (one earned) over four and one-third innings, striking out four and walking one. Niizawa led things off in the circle for Soquel Varsity Knights. The hurler surrendered three hits and two runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking five.
Sarmiento provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 2-for-4 on the day. San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating five walks for the game. San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars turned one double play in the game.
Silva drove the middle of the lineup, leading Soquel Varsity Knights with two runs batted in. Riddle led Soquel Varsity Knights with two hits in three at bats.
San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Cougars play at home on Tuesday against Aptos in their next game.
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