Columbine shortstop Shania Lopez forces out a sliding Pomona junior Alexus Spinks during the Rebels’ 5-1 win Saturday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
ARVADA — Clutch hitting by the bottom of Columbine’s line-up guided the Rebels to a nice Class 5A Jeffco League softball road victory Saturday morning.
Sophomore Daysha Mendez and junior Amber Davis — Columbine’s eight- and nine-hole hitters — combined to drive in four runs to lift the Rebels (8-7, 2-1 in league) to a 5-1 victory over Pomona (7-7, 2-1).
“I liked our approach at the plate,” Columbine coach Brooks Roybal said after the win at Pomona High School. “They made some adjustments after striking out early. Everyone put the ball into play.”
The Rebels broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the fourth inning with a big two-out rally. Lynsie Scheid, Shania Lopez, Mendez and Davis strung together four straight singles to plate a pair of runs to give Columbine a 3-1 lead.
Columbine was able to crank out 13 hits off Pomona pitchers Alysa Wilner and Makaila Chadwick.
“Our line-up has definitely improved from top to bottom,” said Columbine junior pitcher Erin Smith, who added it was a “must-win” situation for the Rebels on Saturday. “Everyone is getting hits and doing their job.”
Columbine junior Erin Smith gave up just four hits against Pomona. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
The Rebels added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Kasey Cruz led off the inning with a double to deep right field. Mendez drove in her second run on a fielder’s choice and Davis ripped a single to left field to extend Columbine’s lead to 5-1.
“It was a game where we couldn’t get that key hit and (Columbine) got the key hits. We couldn’t make that one key defensive play and (Columbine) made key defensive plays,” Pomona coach Jim Biddle said after the Panthers’ had their three-game winning streak snapped. “It was a pretty good softball game. They played a little bit better than us and they deserved to win the game.”
While the bottom of the line-up delivered for Columbine, Smith settled in after giving up a walk and pair of singles in the first inning. Pomona junior Jessica Espinoza drove in the Panthers’ lone run with a single in the bottom of the first.
Smith, a lefty, retired 11 straight batters and finished with seven strikeouts.
Columbine junior Zoey Cruz, left, slide into home Saturday, Sept. 23. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
“She (Smith) has been doing a great job all year. She has kept us in every ballgame she has pitched in,” Roybal said. “Today she gave up just four hits. She was able to adjust and find the zone.”
Pomona threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Panthers loaded the bases with two outs, but Mendez raced in from centerfield to grab the final out on a fly ball by Pomona senior Nicole Sullivan.
“It’s always a little nerve-racking, but I know I have a good defense behind me,” Smith said of Pomona bringing the tying run to the plate in the seventh inning. “I trust them to make the play.”
Columbine is back at home Tuesday, Sept. 27. The Rebels host Lakewood at 4:30 p.m. Pomona has a tough test at home against defending 5A Jeffco League champion and rival Ralston Valley at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27.
“In our league every game is tough. Anybody can beat anybody,” Biddle said. “You just have to play your best and hope for good things.”
Columbine coach Brooks Roybal, far left, talks with players during the sixth inning Saturday at Pomona. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)