Moorpark Falters in Clutch

Sophomore right-hander Tara Barker of Moorpark High pitched well enough to win but the Musketeers were unable to get timely hits and lost to Dos Pueblos, 1-0, in the championship game of the Simi Valley tournament Saturday at Rancho Simi Community Park.

Barker (2-3) pitched a four-hitter and walked none, but Stephanie Elliott (6-1) gave up only two hits and struck out 11 for Dos Pueblos and was selected the tournament’s most valuable player.

“I look at winning as a bonus,” Barker said. “No matter how well you pitch, sometimes it just doesn’t go your way. But it was fun to play against Stephanie. I know she’s a good pitcher.”

Dos Pueblos (7-1) scored with two out in the sixth inning, when shortstop Larisa Veloz hit a sharp grounder down the third-base line.

Michelle Willette of Moorpark made a diving stop, but her throw to first was late and Morgan Harris came home from third base.

“If Michelle doesn’t make that play, it’s a triple and they score another run, so she can’t hang her head,” Coach Kathy Nash of Moorpark said.

Moorpark (3-3) stranded six runners, including three in the top of the fourth.

“We had a lot of chances and I thought we hit Elliott hard,” Nash said. “We just couldn’t find the holes.”

Jennilee Martin doubled to center with one out in the second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. But Willette and Nicole Brown grounded out.

Moorpark’s other hit was a single by Willette in the fourth.