Softball: Hart is just too talented to be fenced in

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OK everybody, it’s softball quiz time!

For 100 points: Who has the most hitter-friendly field in Southern California?

Well, if you were in the stands for Hart‘s 9-0 victory over West Ranch on Thursday, then you would have known the Indians’ corner confines at Newhall Park is one of the only fields in the Southland where a line drive can translate into a home run. That’s just one of the benefits of playing on a field without an outfield fence.

It’s been that way for as long as anyone has cared to remember, and recent school district budget cuts mean it’s probably going to stay that way for years to come. Fortunately for the Indians, they’ve been making the most out of their limitless opportunity.

(Here are some photos from today’s game)

For example, the highlight of Jessica Shults’ three-hit, four-RBI afternoon came on a three-run home run that was nothing more than a sizzler down the third-base line. And last week against Chaminade, three of the Indians’ five home runs came off line drives.

This kind of thing can work both ways, though. And that’s why everyone at Hart is ecstatic to have Destiny Rodino in the pitcher’s circle.

Rodino tossed a complete game against the Wildcats, allowing three hits and striking out nine to earn her ninth win. Not bad, especially when you consider all the good-natured heckling she got from members of the baseball team sitting behind the backstop. Of course, she’ll get her chance for revenge on Friday.

But enough of my yakkin’ -- listen to what Hart Coach Steve Calendo had to say about starting Foothill League play on the right foot, and what he thinks about offensive standouts Melissa Brown and Heather Zimmerman:

-- Austin Knoblauch