The Vikings came out swinging to open up conference play as they scored all their runs in the first three innings of a 6-2 victory over L.A Harbor.
“I feel so excited to start off conference play with a win. We were lucky enough to start off here at home and we caught a rhythm. Our pitching was good and our hitters did a fantastic job to get ahead in the count” Said head coach Megan Martinez.
Sophomore pitcher Olivia Ramirez threw a complete game striking out 7 batters and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits.
When asked about what was working for her on the mound, Ramirez said, “definitely my curveball (to righties) and to lefties my screwball.”
Freshman third baseman and leadoff batter Alejandra Mota had two hits along with a stolen base and an RBI to help jump-start the Vikings.
Mota also flashed the leather with a diving play in the third.
Ramirez got into a rhythm early striking out the side to start the game.
The Vikings were able to get on the board early as Mota scored on an error by L.A. Harbor, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead.
Small ball sparked a 4-run second inning as a sacrifice bunt by freshman catcher Breanna Lucero was followed by a 2-run single by freshman shortstop Jaela Ruiz, who would later score on a triple from Mota, bringing the score to 5-0.
During the rally the energy in the stands was high, led by LBCC volleyball player Cian Slade.
“I was just supporting all the sports on campus, just showing my love.”
Cian’s high energy was responded to with some words from L.A. Harbor, led by reliever Janell Brown.
When asked about his impact on the game Cian responded “It feels good, that’s what you call home-field advantage.”
“It’s really important to have our Viking support from our baseball and men’s volleyball team. We go to a lot of their games, and it’s a small campus. We really try to take care of each other and rally each other.” said coach Martinez.
The Vikings would extend their lead to 6-0 in the third with an RBI single by sophomore left fielder Jasmine Delgado.
The Vikings would go on to win the game 6-2 and they hope to extend their four-game win streak at Compton on February 28th at 3:00 p.m.