NEWMAN – After starting the season with a 7-1 record in preseason games, the Orestimba High softball team was looking to keep the winning momentum going in its Trans-Valley League opener against Ripon High’s squad.
But the visiting Indians had their offense going against the Warriors. That led to a 4-1 win over Orestimba (0-1 in the TVL, 7-2 overall) on Thursday.
The Warriors only had three hits against Ripon pitcher Angelina Martinez, who struck out 10 batters and walked three. Orestimba batters who had a hit in the game were Cayla Finley, Aryanna Arreguin and Hailey Starr.
Ripon held a 4-0 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Warriors scored their only run of the game. Finley, whose lone hit was a double, scored on Starr’s double.
The Indians only had five hits in the game. Starr, in the circle, struck out seven Ripon batters and walked three.
Orestimba 9, LeGrand 5
In a non-league game on March 10 on the Warriors’ diamond, LeGrand held a 2-0 lead until the bottom of the third inning. That is when Orestimba took charge by scoring five times for a 5-2 lead.
The visiting Bulldogs tied the game at 5-all in the top of the fifth inning. But the Warriors broke the draw with three runs in bottom of the same frame for an 8-5 score and had one more run touch home plate in the sixth for the win.
Finley went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs in the game. Salece Machado also had two hits, along with Starr, who added 4 RBIs.
Karina Gonzalez, along with Orestimba teammates Rae Oliveros, Natalie Corella, Arreguin and Ellery Gustafson each had a hit.
Starr was in the circle again for the Warriors, giving up six hits, striking out five and walked none.
Orestimba 9, Los Banos 6
This game, also played on the Warriors’ diamond on March 9, saw Orestimba break a 6-6 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning with three runs that added up to the final score.
Orestimba banged out 13 hits in the game. The visiting Tigers produced three but benefited from three Warrior errors.
Machado and Starr had three hits each in the game. Finley had five RBIs and two hits, which were a home run and triple. Gustafson also had two hits, while Victoria Silva, Oliveros and Corella each had one hit.
Upcoming games
On Tuesday, Orestimba continues TVL action hosting Hughson.
Moving to Thursday, the Warriors welcome Ripon Christian High’s squad. This game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
Orestimba finishes the week, also at home, but another non-league game against Merced that also starts at 4.
On Tuesday, March 23, the Warriors play another non-league game, this time against Central Valley of Ceres. This game, also at Orestimba’s field, is scheduled to start at 4.
Mike Bush is a multimedia journalist who was born and raised in the Stanislaus and Merced County areas. Follow him on X/Twitter @MikeBMultimedia and Instagram @mikebushmedia.
