Hoover softball runs roughshod over Flintridge Prep

LA CAÑADA — For the second consecutive game, the Hoover High softball team shut out its opponent while scoring in double-digits.

After defeating Holy Family last Thursday, the Tornadoes visited Flintridge Prep Tuesday afternoon and continued the solid play in a 13-0 mercy-rule win over the Rebels in a nonleague meeting.

The win puts the Tornadoes over the .500 mark at 2-1 in the young season, while the Rebels drop to 1-3 after winning their season opener.

“Offensively, we’ve been consistent,” said Tornadoes Coach Rich Henning, whose squad scored at least a run in each of the five innings played Tuesday. “It’s not limited to one or two players in the lineup, and it’s been balanced.”

Hoover’s captain and No. 3 hitter, Kaitlyn Williams, led the charge on offense with a three-for-five day at the plate, including a home run and five runs batted in.

The home run that scored leadoff hitter Karina Moreno came in the first inning and it set the pace of the game, as Hoover’s starting pitcher Breana Aguilera was able to pitch with a lead.

The right-handed hurler pitched five strong innings, allowing just three hits and one walk. She recorded two strikeouts, but most of the outs came from her defense after forcing Flintridge Prep’s hitters to put the ball in play.

“I rely on the defense to make the plays,” Aguilera said. “But first, you need to trust yourself and I just try to make it easier on my defense.”

Flintridge Prep’s pitching succumbed to the Tornadoes being able to get the bat on the ball consistently, and when it didn’t result in a hit, the Rebels didn’t help their cause with multiple errors that extended innings.

“They’re a good hitting team,” Rebels Coach Julie Mejia said. “They had timely hitting and we had our miscues. One or two plays and it’s a different game.”

Williams got things going again in the third inning with a double, plating Jessica Rivera. Standing on third, Williams scored one or her two runs in the game to give Hoover a 5-0 advantage.

The Tornadoes would score five runs in the third for an 8-0 lead.

After scoring on a passed ball in the fourth inning, Williams’ second double of the game with one out in the fifth inning scored Alissa Barcena and Rivera and put a rest to the game’s scoring. Barcena and Rivera also picked up RBIs in the inning.

“I just go up and hit the ball,” Williams said. “I don’t really think about it.”

The Tornadoes will begin Pacific League play Thursday as they host the Burbank Bulldogs. Coach Henning and Co. will look to continue the winning streak.

“Our first game, it was the worst game of the season,” Henning said. “Since then, our defense and pitching have been consistent and our hitting has been nice.”