By Aloha Alisasis
In an ISA Softball League match between the Simon Sanchez Sharks and JFK Islanders, pitcher Gabby Lujan and 3rd baseman Halle Derbai played pivotal roles in securing a 16-6 win for the Sharks Monday afternoon at the JFK Field.
Lujan’s impressive six strikeouts kept the Islanders at bay, while Derbai’s unexpected in-the-park home run with multiple RBIs added to the Sharks’ success.
Expressing her satisfaction, Lujan stated, “It felt good getting that amount of strikeouts today, I was getting motivated by my teammates, and It just picked me up more.”
Halle Derbai echoed the sentiment, saying, “The in-park home run was unexpected, but it felt really good to get the hit.”
Both teams came into the game at 1-0.
In the opening inning, the Sharks, determined to secure their second win of the season, saw Lujan striking out the Islanders’ Nicole Silk. Despite the Islanders initially leading 2-0, the Sharks swiftly regained control, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first.
JFK pitcher Silk faced challenges, granting three walks and leading to loaded bases. A pitch error during Kailee Masnayan’s at-bat extended the Sharks’ lead to 6-2. Despite a mound switch for the Islanders, the Sharks scored two more runs, ending the inning at 10-2.
The second inning saw the Islanders scoring one run, making it 10-3. A swift defensive play by the Sharks’ right fielder, Nikka Dungca, concluded the Islanders’ inning.
The Sharks continued their offensive momentum, reaching a score of 12-3. The Islanders’ Madison Concepcion made a crucial catch for their first out, while Amalyah Conner secured the last out with a pop fly catch.
In the 3rd inning, the Islanders narrowed the gap to 12-5. Despite a defensive switch for the Islanders, the Sharks maintained their lead. The Islanders showcased strong defense in the bottom 3rd, executing a double play, but an error pitch allowed the Sharks to extend their lead to 13-6.
The fourth inning showcased the Sharks’ defensive strength, retiring the first two Islanders’ batters. An error hit led to the Sharks’ first out, but a subsequent error pitch allowed them to score, reaching a lead of 15-6.
In the 5th inning, Lujan’s strong performance continued, striking out two Islanders. The Sharks’ first baseman secured a skillful catch, and the Islanders’ right fielder caught a pop fly, marking the first out for the Sharks. With loaded bases, Derbai’s in-park home run earned 2 RBIs, bringing the score to 16-6, although only the first run counted due to the mercy rule invoked by the umpire.
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