Softball: Becerra’s return could make Marmonte League interesting

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It may not be time to proclaim Simi Valley is in trouble of losing a possible Marmonte League title, but the return of Jenna Becerra to the pitching rubber for Westlake sure makes the league a lot more interesting.

Westlake, ranked No. 22 in the preseason by The Times, won its first three games, but lost four of the next five after Becerra suffered a broken finger.

With Becerra out of the pitching circle, Westlake floundered, but she has won twice since her return, including a one-hitter on Tuesday in a 6-0 victory over Calabasas. She also pitched a four-hitter in a 12-3 victory over Moorpark. That’s not the same as facing down Thousand Oaks, but it’s a start.

Becerra’s return actually came April 8 against Simi Valley, which this week is No. 8 in The Times’ rankings. She pitched three innings of relief in a 9-2 loss. Becerra might have preferred a longer delay: She gave up five hits and walked one, but also struck out six, and was tagged with four runs, three earned.

After beginning the season with three victories, the Warriors lost six of nine without Becerra’s services.

Simi Valley, meanwhile, has yet to lose, but with a game remaining against Thousand Oaks and another with Westlake -- and a presumably sharper Becerra -- the Pioneers aren’t out of the woods yet on claiming the league title.

-- Martin Henderson