COD Softball Holds Off Santa Ana for 9–8 Thriller

The College of the Desert softball team used a huge second inning and a gutsy complete-game performance in the circle to outlast the Santa Ana College Dons, 9–8, snapping a four-game skid in the series and earning their first home win over Santa Ana since 2014.

COD (3-4-1) broke things open early, highlighted by a solo inside-the-park home run from freshman second baseman Samantha Beltran (Indio Shadow Hills) as part of a big second inning. But the Dons (2-8) chipped away throughout the game, turning it into a one-run battle late before the Roadrunners slammed the door.

Sophomore right-hander Alyssa Martinez Sanchez (La Quinta HS) delivered one of the best all-around performances of her career. At the plate, Sanchez went a perfect 4 for 4 — her sixth multi-hit game of the season and just the second four-hit game of her Roadrunner career. In the circle, she tossed a complete game, allowing eight runs while striking out five and walking just one to earn her third win of the year.

Offensively, COD's lineup produced up and down the order:

• Sophomore center fielder Danika Cisneros (Bermuda Dunes California Connections Academy) went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored, notching her third multi-hit game of the season from the three spot.

• Sophomore first baseman Tatiana Salinas (Rancho Mirage HS) finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs, recording the first three-hit game of her collegiate career.

• Freshman second baseman Samantha Beltran went 3 for 4 with her first career home run in a Roadrunner uniform and her first multi-hit effort of the season.

• Freshman left fielder Isabel Inzunza (Thermal Coachella Valley) drove in two runs, marking her third multi-RBI game of the year.

• Freshman right fielder Irie Gonzalez (Indio HS) added two RBIs for her second multi-RBI performance of the season.

The Roadrunners now turn their attention to Inland Empire Athletic Conference play, opening conference action with a road doubleheader against the Chaffey College Panthers on March 6 in Rancho Cucamonga. COD returns home March 14 to host the Imperial Valley College Arabs.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.