Day 6: Game Details (Downey)

Today was a beyond successful day for Fullerton Hills as they battled in 2 difficult games to get to the semi-final game tomorrow at 9:00am!

Game 5:
Downey vs. Fullerton Hills
Pitchers: Sam Wekall, Riley Nahrwold

Downey had been a team Fullerton Hills previously faced in this tournament, so the girls and coaches came into the game with an idea of what to look for.  Little did they know this game would end in similar fashion to their last game against Downey on Wednesday.

The 1st and 2nd innings were both scoreless for both teams as they got used to the pitching.

In the top of the 3rd inning, Downey broke the silence with a walk followed by a bunt and a Fullerton Hills error, which allowed the Downey runner to score.  Soon after, a shot was hit to CF and scored yet another run for Downey.  Fullerton Hills would go up to bat in the bottom of the 3rd knowing they had to play catch up.

However, the 4th and 5th innings for both teams had been quiet.  It was the top of the 6th inning when Downey put another run on the board after a 2 out bunt single, advance on pass ball to 2B, and a knocked down short fly ball into RF, which allowed the runner from 2B to score making the game 3-0, Downey.

"Why not us?" Fullerton Hills said as they went into the bottom of the 6th inning knowing they had to get their bats going. It started off with a single by Taylor Browne into RF, who would then advance to 2B on an overthrow.  Nina Melendez came up with a single to CF next, advancing Taylor Browne to 3B, and in scoring position. Brooke Castillo singles with a bunt to the Downey pitcher, and Taylor Browne would score from 3B, leaving Brooke Castillo safe at 1B and the score 3-1. Sarah Fajnor laid down a perfect bunt for a single and the bases were now loaded for Fullerton Hills. Destiny Fernandez came up to bat and drove the ball for a base hit. Nina Melendez would score first on the play.  Brooke Castillo came rounding 3B with intentions of scoring and as she slid into home, slid into the Downey pitcher and was thrown out at the plate, injuring her ankle.  With Alex Castillo up next, looking to pick up her sister, she executes a squeeze bunt and Sarah Fajnor would score from 3B and believe it or not, would tie the game at 3-3.

The 7th inning was scoreless for both teams which means Fullerton Hills would enter yet another international tie breaker game.

Fullerton Hills escaped the top the 8th inning when they had 1 out, and a Downey runner on 3B.  A fly ball was hit into the outfield and the runner broke for home, but what seemed like was too soon.  Fullerton Hills appealed and threw the ball to 3B, the runner would be called out, and a double play ends the top of the 8th inning for Fullerton Hills. The bottom of the 8th would see Erin Gonzalez on 2B as our runner.  Sarah Fajnor would lay down a sacrifice bunt, and Erin Gonzalez would advance to 3B.  Alex Castillo would come up with 2 outs and a runner on 3B.  She hit a short ground ball to 1B, and the first baseman was unable to field ball, leaving Alex Castillo safe at first and Erin Gonzalez safe at home. This resulted in a 4-3 victory for Fullerton Hills.

Photo Credit: Mr. Schulte and Emily Gonzalez