Jags came up short 2-3 in the 7th inning against Bulldogs  

After a rescheduled conference game due to inclement weather, the San José City Jags (9-9, 1-3 Coast Conference) played an away game against one of their favorite rivals, the College of San Mateo Bulldogs (19-3, 3-0), who were the 2022 State Champions.     

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Coach Deborah Rooney was thrown out of the game for voicing her disagreements with the home plate umpire, who was making questionable calls throughout the game. The ejection lit a fire under Jags to fight for their coach.   

Top of the 7th inning and down 3-0, the Jags had one last chance to catch up. Alaina Valdez hit a leadoff single to left field, and Deja Jimenez walked to first. Keana Castro grounded the ball to the shortstop, who tossed it to third to get the force out, but the third baseman dropped it.  

Bases loaded, and Kiya Sandoval grounded out to the shortstop while pinch runner Maryssa Sarinana raced home. Melissa Felix followed with an RBI single to close the gap 2-3, but the Bulldogs switched pitchers to get the final out and secure the win.     

The Jags had six hits in the game. Felix was responsible for three hits, Valdez hit two singles, and Karissa Smith bounced one off the fence for a double. The Jags out-hit the Bulldogs six to three, but an RBI bunt and an error cost the Jags 3 runs. Plus, the Jags' offense could only score runs at the last minute. They hit well with line drives and deep flyballs to the warning track, but it always found a glove.     

It was a pitchers' duel for the first three innings as Valdez only allowed three walks, no hits, and had two strikeouts. In the 4th inning, the Bulldogs had runners on second and third as the batter bunted the ball to the infield, but the toss to home plate was not on time, according to the home plate umpire.   

Runners on second and third again, and the next batter smashed the ball to Malia Venegas as it rolled up on her glove and over to the outfield to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.  

Valdez shut down the Bulldogs in the last two innings by giving easy outs for the Jags' defense and striking out the third out with bases loaded in the 5th inning. The Jags also stranded runners with bases loaded in the 7th inning as the Bulldogs prevented them from tying the game.    

The Jags play Cabrillo College at home on Mar. 16 at 3:00 pm. Also, the Jags are holding a fundraiser to help pay for their team's expenses, and any donations would be appreciated. Here is the link to donate https://sjccjaguars.com/information/Softball-Donation   

By Malaya Street