Voeltz Hurls Another Gem for Westlake

While Westlake High coaches and players credit team unity for the Warriors’ recent success, one player stands alone.

Erin Voeltz throttled the competition again Tuesday, pitching a two-hitter and striking out 11 in the Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Simi Valley in a Marmonte League game at Rancho Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley.

“By far, this was one of her better days,” said Coach Barbara Jordan, who is in her first year at Westlake.

By contrast, it was one of the worst days for Brittney Green of Simi Valley.

Green (8-2), who allowed one hit through three innings, found trouble in the fourth--in more ways than one.

Green, a two-sport athlete who injured her foot during the soccer season, aggravated the foot in the fourth but tried to pitch through the pain.

Voeltz led off with a single, her second of the game. Green walked three of the next five batters, including a bases-loaded walk to Cody Richards on four pitches. Four pitches later, Kaitlyn Wilson scored on a wild pitch, chasing Green.

Voeltz (11-2), who worked the corners with the precision of a diamond cutter, finished off Simi Valley by retiring 12 of the last 13 batters. The junior right-hander stuck out the side in the seventh.

“Simi’s a good-hitting team, [so] I had to mix it up,” Voeltz said.

Westlake (13-2, 3-1 in league play), which has lost to Newbury Park and Chaminade, remained a game behind first-place Newbury Park.

Designated player Tracie Hall had both hits for Simi Valley (10-3, 2-1), which stranded three runners in scoring position.