CSM's Cruise Hits 3-Run Walkoff HR For 9-0 Mercy Win

Taylor Cruse slugged a 3-run walk-off home run over the left centerfield fence to give College of San Mateo its eighth consecutive mercy-rule win, 9-0, over Coast Conference rival Ohlone College in the first game of a Super Regional women's softball tournament game Friday afternoon.

The top-seeded Bulldogs (40-2) are the first California Community College Athletic Association team to reach 40 wins this season. They will host No. 5 seed San Joaquin Delta (31-12) in a winners' bracket game Saturday at 12 noon. The victor advances to Sunday's noon finals of the double elimination tournament while the loser goes into an elimination game at 4 p.m. (Saturday). Delta defeated No.4 Sacramento City College, 11-4, in Friday's second game.

San Mateo has beaten both teams this season. The Bulldogs defeated Delta, 7-6, on Feb. 27 during their school record 26-game unbeaten streak. San Mateo beat Sacramento, 11-1, in a 5-inning contest on April 10 during the current 10-game winning streak. Coast North runner-up Ohlone (20-13) has now lost to San Mateo twice in "mercy" games during the current streak.

While designated hitter Cruz provided the final shot Friday, it was leadoff slugger Raquel Martinez who was the hitting star on the day, going 3-for-3 including a home run and scoring all three times. The centerfielder became the third California player to reach the 60-run plateau this season. Martinez also stole a base, upping her Northern California season lead in to 34.

Talisa Fiame gave the Bulldogs the only run they really needed in the first frame with an RBI sacrifice fly to score Martinez from third. Terra Nova grad Fiame leads the state with 60 RBIs this season.  

Pitcher Ashlynne Neil won her 23rd game and is now 23-1 for the season with a 1.98 E.R.A. She allowed just three hits and had four strikeouts en route to a complete game (6-inning) shutout. 

CSM has outscored opponents 108-2 during the run of games shortened by the 8-run victory margin. During their current 10-game winning streak, the Bulldogs have outscored foes 122-2.  

Contact: Fred Baer      baerf@smccd.edu