EMPIRE LEAGUE SOFTBALL ROUNDUP : Despite Pain, Wilson Leads Los Alamitos Past Cypress

Debbie Wilson, Los Alamitos’ top starting pitcher, began the game playing first base because of a pulled chest muscle. She ended it on the mound, in relief, striking out four in 2 2/3 innings and picking up a 3-2 victory over Cypress in an Empire League game Thursday at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress.

Despite being in pain, Wilson not only got the decision for league-leading Los Alamitos (16-4, 5-0), but drove in the tying run and scored the game-winner in the top of the sixth.

“It was really hurting,” Wilson said, squeezing an ice pack against her chest. “But I just kept thinking ‘I’m going to win this game.’ ”

Wilson (12-1) went to the mound with runners on first and third and one out in the fifth with a 1-0 lead. She began by walking Amanda Adams to load the bases. Kim Lumsdaine then hit a sharp grounder that was misplayed by Griffin shortstop Michelle Schneider, allowing two runs to score. Adams was thrown out at third on the play and Wilson then closed out the inning by striking out Haley Beamon. Cypress led, 2-1.

Catcher Carolyn Wilson led off the top of the sixth with a triple to deep center field. Debbie Wilson then singled up the middle to drive in her sister and tie the score, 2-2. Jennifer Slaney bunted and Cypress catcher Nikki Espriu overthrew first base, allowing Wilson to score from first and giving the Griffins a 3-2 lead.

“Our games against Cypress are always like this, by one run,” Griffin Coach Jami Shannon said. “They are our rivals and they always play hard.”

Earlier this season Los Alamitos, ranked No. 1 in the county, defeated the Centurions, 1-0.

Los Alamitos second baseman Cyndi Tredway had two hits, including a triple, and scored a run in the top of the first.

Christa Saindon went three for four with two triples for No. 3 Cypress (12-4, 3-2).