Gray’s Homer Helps Argonauts Knock Out Laguna Hills

Autumn Gray hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning, leading Garden Grove to a 2-1 victory over host Laguna Hills in the first round of the Southern Section Division III softball playoffs Friday.

Trailing 1-0 with one out, Gray hit a 3-1 pitch from Leea Harlan down the first base line. The ball rolled past right fielder Kim Bisera, scoring Czarina Finona from third. Gray thought she had a double and slowed up but realized Bisera still hadn’t reached the ball. She made it home before the ball reached the infield.

“I was just trying to get a hit,” said Gray. “I feel really proud. Last year we lost to them and it was really upsetting.”

Gray’s home run was the first hit given up by Harlan in the game. Garden Grove had three baserunners to that point, all on infield errors. Harlan (13-5) gave up two hits and struck out nine for Laguna Hills (18-8).

The Hawks, who eliminated Garden Grove in the first round last year, took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Leadoff hitter Leslie Simien reached on a bunt single and then stole second. Harlan followed with a pop-up that bounced in front of second baseman Anna Price. The throw to first got Harlan, but Finona dropped the throw to third and Simien scored as the ball rolled into the dugout.

Laguna Hills had three opportunities in the late innings to advance runners, but baserunning errors and the team’s inability to lay down a successful bunt, ended the rallies.

Argonaut pitcher Nuvia Marti (13-4) gave up only three hits, striking out six. Garden Grove advances to the second round to face Pacifica, which beat the Argonauts twice in Garden Grove League play.