Rustlers Explode for 15 Runs to Complete Series Sweep Over Santiago Canyon

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The Golden West College softball team used a pair of explosive innings to rally past Santiago Canyon College, 15-6, on Friday afternoon at home, completing the three-game Orange Empire Conference series sweep.

With the win, the Rustlers improve to 18-13 overall and 9-6 in conference play.

After falling behind 4-0 through two innings, Golden West responded in emphatic fashion, scoring four runs in the third inning to tie the game before erupting for 11 runs in the fourth to take full control.

Golden West capitalized on five Santiago Canyon errors in the contest, turning timely hitting and aggressive baserunning into a decisive advantage.

In the third inning, the Rustlers got on the board when Siena Rodriguez drew an RBI walk, followed by a bases-clearing triple from Mya Santiago that knotted the score at 4-4.

The fourth inning proved to be the difference, as Golden West sent 16 batters to the plate and scored 11 runs, many of them unearned, behind a balanced offensive attack. Key contributions included an RBI groundout by Erica Madrid, an RBI single from Isabella Santiago, and a two-RBI double from Isabella Gallegos. Aliyah Lomulijo added a two-run double, while Graycee Skousen drew a bases-loaded walk to keep the inning alive.

Mya Santiago finished with three RBI, while Gallegos drove in two runs. Lomulijo also contributed two RBI off the bench, and Jaxton Marshall scored a team-high three runs.

In the circle, Erica Rivera earned the win in relief, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing four runs (two earned) on seven hits with two strikeouts. Angelique Perez made the start, allowing two runs in 0.2 innings.

The Rustlers will travel to Fullerton College on Tuesday, April 14th for a pivital series with playoff implications for the Rustlers.