Kralich Covers All Bases, Santa Ana Wins

Santa Ana’s Wendi Kralich pitched a four-hitter, got a key hit, scored the only run and made the game-ending play on defense, as the Dons defeated Orange Coast, 1-0, in Orange Empire Conference softball Wednesday at Santa Ana.

Kralich (22-11) led off the fifth inning with a single, reached third on a sacrifice bunt and a fielder’s choice, then scored on a wild pitch for Santa Ana (23-11-1).

With two on and two out in the sixth, Kralich caught Tasha Thurmond’s line drive for the game’s final out.

Orange Coast is 10-17, 4-14.

In other Orange Empire Conference games:

Cypress 3, Golden West 2--Yvette Martinez singled to drive in Michelle Cross in the bottom of the ninth inning for Cypress (27-8-2, 16-3). Cross and Koral King each had three hits. Cypress’ Lisa Monreal (16-5) struck out seven, allowing eight hits.

Golden West is 13-21-1, 5-12.

Fullerton 3, Saddleback 1--Erin Kelly (26-3) struck out eight for the visiting Hornets (35-5, 17-2). Crystal Aguirre had a run-scoring triple and scored on a single by Melissa Villa in the top of the ninth inning for Fullerton.

Saddleback is (16-15-1, 9-10).