Lady Bulldogs Drop 10-2 Decision to Taft

Sophomore Zaiden Bakke went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI, but four errors by the Allan Hancock College softball team led to six unearned runs in a 10-2 five-inning loss to Taft on Friday afternoon in Santa Maria. Hancock, coming off a heartbreaking 6-5 loss Thursday to Bakersfield, fell to 9-19 overall, while the Cougars improved to 9-25.

Taft went right to work in the top of the first against Hancock pitcher Alexis Porter. After a lead-off single and fielder's choice, Allie Dodds hit her 11th home run of the season to give Taft a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs answered in the home half as Crystal Gonzalez singled and Adiana Pacheco was hit by a pitch. After both runners advanced on a wild pitch, Bakke drove them home with a two-run double to tie it 2-2. Bakke advanced to third on the throw to the plate with nobody out. However, she was left stranded.

The Cougars roared back with five runs on five hits in the second. Two Hancock errors contributed to the rally. Taft added three more unearned runs in the fourth inning.

Half of Hancock's six hits went for extra bases. Bakke and Natalya Fuggs hit doubles, while catcher Ehsya Glideweill legged out a triple.

Porter took the loss in the circle. The Lompoc High School graduate allowed 14 hits and 10 runs, only four were earned. She did not walk a batter and struck out one.

Jade Martinez and Morgan Thomas had three hits apiece for Taft, while Dodds went 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBI.

With a week and a left in the season, the Bulldogs resume Western State Conference play next Tuesday, April 16, at Moorpark.