Leyden’s Triple Is Difference for No. 5 Irvine

Edel Leyden homered twice Friday--and missed a third when the winning run scored ahead of her in the ninth inning--to help clinch a softball playoff berth for fifth-ranked Irvine. Leyden’s triple gave the Vaqueros a nine-inning, 5-4 Sea View League victory over ninth-ranked Santa Margarita.

Leyden had four hits and four runs batted in for the Vaqueros (19-4, 4-2), who lost a 3-1 lead in part because of Leyden’s error that opened the door for a three-run rally by Santa Margarita in the fifth inning.

“I felt like the second homer [tying the score in the bottom of the fifth inning] was my ‘I’m sorry,’ gift,” Leyden said.

She would have easily had a third inside-the-park homer in the ninth, but Brett Nakabayashi was at first base and scored the winning run in front of Leyden.

It’s the second time this season Leyden was not credited with an apparent home run. Previously, a runner in front of her missed third base, accounting for the third out of the inning.

Leyden has five home runs this season.

Robyn Horrick (6-2) faced the minimum 13 batters in 4 1/3 innings of relief for the victory.