Announcement
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By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
CARMEL VALLEY (5-25-14) — Torrey Pines junior catcher Shelbianne Evans slapped an RBI single in the bottom of the 8th inning Saturday (May 24), allowing the host Falcons to stun West Hills, 5-4, in a CIF Open Division elimination contest.
Evans, part of all-left-handed battery with pitcher Monroe Peed, sent a sharp grounder up the middle, offsetting a West Hills run in the top of the frame.
"I'm just trying to hit the ball hard and put it in play," said Evans. "The entire team fought hard because we didn't want to lose."
Emma Wong opened the rally with a single to left, moving to second base on a wild pitch. Emily Wolking beat the throw to first for a bunt single, then Stavi Augur tied the ballgame with a sacrifice fly to right field.
Two batters later, Evans delivered the game-winner for the two-time defending Division 1 champions..
"There have been so many games we lost in the 7th inning this year," noted Augur. "It was nice that our hard work allowed us to win one like that."
The difference of two defensive plays looked to be the difference in favor of the Pack.
Tied at 3-all in the 6th, Augur sent a deep drive to left-center field. However, West Hills centerfielder BRANDY McCRYSTAL raced to the fence and grabbed the ball to rob the freshman from Encinitas. Many observers believed the ball was ticketed to sail over the 3-foot fence.
Two innings later, a ball which evaded the Falcons defense gave West Hills the lead in the 9th.
Following a two-out double by RYLEIGH DOBYNS, KAYCEE AQUININGOC sent a sharp grounder up the middle. However, the ball tipped off the glove of Torrey Pines' back-up shortstop, slowing the ball just enough as it trickled into the outfield to allow Dobyns to take an extra base to score and secure a 4-3 advantage.
West Hills catcher CORTNEY HORNE batted 2-for-4 in what turned out to be her final high school contest.
Horne went 2-for-4, including a 2-out single in the 1st, eventually scoring on a wild pitch to grab the early lead. In her next at-bat, she clouted a home run to left field despite an ocean breeze.
The other Wolf Pack run came in the 4th when KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ singled, with courtesy runner MELISSA CASTILLO scoring on a deep double by PAIGE BOWLER.
Note: Torrey Pines head coach Jon Moore entered the season tied for first place for most career wins by a North County coach.
