Angels overcome deficit to win Major softball championship
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TUJUNGA — The Jewel City/Jewish War Veterans Arnol Angels and the Burbank Wildcats Major softball teams have had their share of close battles this season.
“We have probably played against one another seven or eight times, or more, this season,” Angels coach Cesar Ascencio said. “We always seem to be involved in games that are usually close.
“Because we played so many games, there are really no surprises between us. They know us very well and we know them very well.”
Of all the meetings between the teams, Monday’s contest had the most riding on it — and might have been the most dramatic. With the Angels and Wildcats both having won a game in the three-game Tri-Cities Little League District 16 Tournament of Champions, this contest was winner take all.
Despite falling behind by four runs, Jewel City battled back and scored five unanswered runs, with the winning tally coming in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the sixth inning to complete a 5-4 comeback victory.
“We knew it was going to be a battle against the Wildcats for sure,” Ascencio said. “I told the girls from the beginning of the day that if they wanted it, they were going to have to come out and earn it.
“I have to give the Wildcats a lot of credit. They had us early and they played well. …But our girls were able to get past a shaky start and they came through at the end.”
The Angels forced Monday’s contest after a 13-8 victory against the Wildcats on Sunday. The Burbank squad won the tourney opener Saturday, 8-7.
“They are a quality team and we didn’t expect anything less from them,” Burbank coach Eddie Aceves said. “When we play against one another, it’s usually the old football adage that the team with the ball last gets the win.
“I knew when we got out to an early lead that nothing is safe against them. A 10-run lead isn’t even safe. I don’t like to lose, but if we had to lose, I’m glad at least it was against them. …Our hats off to them.”
With the score knotted at 4, Jewel City secured the win in the bottom of the sixth. Victoria Yanez singled to center field to open the frame and moved to second on a fielder’s choice by Heaven Marquiz. The next batter, Natalie Ascencio, legged out an infield hit and when the Wildcats held the ball, headed to second. Burbank tried to make the play at second and Ascencio alertly headed home safely.
“When I was at third, I saw that they were throwing to second,” said Victoria Ascencio, who was two for three with a walk and a run batted in. “When they did that, I just ran and I made it home.”
The Wildcats built a lead early, taking a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first. Phoebe Spangler (two for three) doubled to left field and scored on a single over the second baseman’s head by Melo Starr.
Burbank increased its advantage to 4-0 with three runs in the third. Julia Grounds drove in two runs with a single up the middle and the other run was scored on a passed ball.
The Angels had runners in scoring position in the first three innings but couldn’t cash in. They finally broke through with three runs in the fourth to get within one, 4-3. Yanez drove in a run in the frame with a single off the pitcher. The other two runs came via a passed ball and a wild pitch.
Yanez singled to center in the fifth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Mack Meisenbach to tie the score at 4.
Twitter: @jefftsports
