CITY SECTION SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS : Samoniego Homers to Lead San Fernando

San Fernando High snuffed three consecutive rallies by visiting Taft on Wednesday and senior first baseman Bernie Samoniego hit a two-run home run to lead the Tigers to a 3-2 victory in a first-round 4-A Division game.

San Fernando (14-6) led, 2-0, after Samoniego smashed a 3-2 pitch from freshman Julie Kawamoto over the left-field fence with Gloria Sanchez aboard.

Taft (9-12) scored a run in the fourth and San Fernando countered with a run in the bottom of the inning. Taft rallies in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, however, were cut short by senior right-handed pitcher Denise Mendoza, a good San Fernando defense and a controversial force play at third base.

In the fourth, Taft left runners at second and third as Mendoza recorded the final two outs on a strikeout and a back-to-the-box groundout.

Taft scored a run in the fifth, but San Fernando left fielder Lorena Lopez prevented further damage with a running backhanded catch of a line drive by Stephanie Fontane to leave a runner stranded at second base.

With none out in the sixth and Taft runners at first and second, Mendoza fielded a sacrifice bunt and relayed to shortstop Edna Salandez covering third base in time to retire Michele Gardner.

The ball appeared to squirt out of Salandez’s mitt. But both umpires--to the vocal displeasure of a bleacher full of angry Taft supporters behind third base--ruled the play an out. Taft did not score in the inning.

“That play had an effect on the game,” Taft Coach Carol Morgan said. “I don’t believe that both umpires could see it.”

Said Salandez: “It didn’t pop out. I don’t know what they’re all thinking.”

San Fernando Coach Bill Rielly said that Salandez made a “snow-cone” catch. “All she needed to do was step on the base and she was sitting on it.”

San Fernando will play Carson, which had a first-round bye, Wednesday at Carson.