The Vikings walked off Rio Hondo in the ninth inning on a bases-loaded single by sophomore center fielder Alia Marquez in a 3-2 victory.
Starting pitcher sophomore Ashley Hester pitched a solid four innings striking out two while allowing two runs (both in the third) on four hits.
The Vikings were quickly able to respond with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the third.
Hester was pulled after pitching a hitless fourth inning, and sophomore pitcher Olivia Ramirez would come on in relief in the fifth inning and end up getting the win.
She immediately silenced Rio Hondo’s offense by retiring all 15 batters faced, striking out 14 of them, which gave her team the opportunity to win the game in extras.
“I think it’s very important to be able to come in and finish the game. I wasn’t nervous, I had a feeling that we were going to win this game. I felt like I was dominating out there and I’m just excited to go out there and show off my stuff,” said Ramirez.
The Vikings would go into their half of the ninth tied 2-2 and thanks to freshman outfielder Natalie Wilson.
Wilson would end the game going two for two after coming in to pinch hit in the sixth inning.
“It feels really good to be able to have my teammates’ back because I know that they always have mine,” said Wilson.
We would then see a glimpse of small ball from the Vikings as Wilson was able to advance to second on a sacrifice bunt by freshman catcher Breanna Lucero.
With a runner on second, freshman shortstop Jaela Ruiz would step up to the plate and hit a single over the third baseman’s head advancing Wilson to third and leaving runners on the corners.
“I knew that she was going to pitch me inside, so I had to turn on it and get a hit,” said Ruiz.
Rio Hondo would then intentionally walk Alejandra Mota leaving the bases loaded for sophomore center fielder Alia Marquez.
That decision would backfire for Rio Hondo as Marquez slapped a single into the outfield and walked the game off for the Vikings.
When asked about that at bat Marquez said, “I see myself as this little slapper (slap hitter), so it was a really big moment for me and it’s my first ever walk-off. I’m just really glad that I was able to get it done for the team and for Liv (Olivia Ramirez). She was pitching so good so I’m really happy that I was able to do it for her.”
The Vikings hope to move to 4-0 in conference play as they play Pasadena at home Tuesday, March 7th at 3:00 p.m.