Rustlers Defeat Pirates, 6-2, Behind Perez’s Complete Game

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Golden West College softball earned a key Orange Empire Conference victory on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Orange Coast College, 6-2, at home.

With the win, the Rustlers improve to 15-11 overall and 6-4 in conference play, pulling even with the Pirates, who fall to 12-13 overall and 6-4 in OEC action.

Golden West opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning, executing small ball to perfection. With the bases loaded, Ariana Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing home Isabella Santiago for a 1-0 lead.

The Rustlers extended their advantage in the fourth inning. Jaxton Marshall scored on an RBI walk by Aaliyah Williams, and Erica Madrid later came across on a sacrifice fly by Angelique Perez to make it 3-0.

Orange Coast responded in the top of the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly from Maiah Rodriguez to cut the deficit to 3-1. However, Golden West answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Isabella Santiago delivered an RBI single, and the Rustlers capitalized on Pirate defensive miscues to plate two additional unearned runs, stretching the lead to 6-1.

The Pirates added a run in the seventh inning on an RBI single by Marissa Sardinas, but Golden West's defense closed out the game to secure the 6-2 victory. 

Angelique Perez (10-5) was dominant for the Rustlers, tossing a complete game while allowing two runs on nine hits. The right-hander struck out nine and walked two in the winning effort.

The series continues when the Rustlers travel to Orange Coast on Thursday, April 2nd for a 2pm start.