PREP ROUNDUP : Collins’ Homer Gives Barons 1-0 Victory

Lindsey Collins injured the pitcher, and later scored the winning run in Fountain Valley’s 1-0 Sunset League victory over Huntington Beach.

Collins, a freshman, hit a two-out line drive in the first inning that caught pitcher Stefanie Noffsinger in the face.

Noffsinger, who had given up two hits over the last four games, went down with a bad cut over her left eye.

“It could have been tragic,” Fountain Valley Coach Cary Baker said. “If it had been her eye, or nose . . . it was just so quick.”

Noffsinger was taken to Hoag Hospital, where she was treated and released.

Collins homered in the sixth inning for the game’s only run. She has hit a home run in the Barons’ last three league games.

“Isn’t she wild?” Baker said. “Physically, she looks about 20, but she’s just a freshman. (The outfielders) thought they were deep enough.”

“I hope she takes up track,” Huntington Beach Coach Julie Anderson said. “I hope she decides softball is too easy.”

Huntington Beach (7-2, 2-1) had a chance to score in the sixth. The Oilers loaded the bases with two outs, but Nicky Chavira grounded to pitcher Debroah Harrelson and was thrown out at first.

The victory put the Barons (7-5-1, 3-0) atop the Sunset League.

“Our kids needed it as a boost,” Baker said. “It means everything. Now everybody’s chasing us.”