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Controversial call stumps Weston Ranch
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A disputed called third strike took Weston Ranch out of what was a competitive game for five-plus innings at Oakdale on Wednesday.

The score was tied 4-4 when pinch-hitter Vanessa Morataya worked a full count with two out and the bases loaded top of the sixth inning. Morataya took a low pitch that was dug out of the dirt by the Oakdale catcher, but it was called a strike seconds later as Cougars walked in what they thought was the go-ahead run.

“It was a game changer,” Weston Ranch coach Janelle Bauer said.

Final: Oakdale 12, Weston Ranch 4.

“The score doesn’t reflect how close the game really was,” Bauer said. “It was back and forth for six innings. We had chances with girls in scoring position all game, we just didn’t get that hit when we needed it. Unfortunately, we led a bad call take us out of our game.”

Oakdale (6-2 Valley Oak League, 14-6-1 overall) capitalized on errors and walks to plate eight unanswered runs in the bottom of the sixth. The Mustangs have three wins over Weston Ranch this season, including a 2-1 triumph in the championship game of the NorCal Classic’s Gold Division tournament.

The Cougars took leads in the third and fifth innings. Vanessa Contreras went 4 for 4 with an RBI single. Elysia Hernandez bashed an RBI double and scored twice in her 2-for-4 effort. 



Sierra 13, Lathrop 0 (5)

Sommer Wilson was part of a combined one-hitter as a relief pitcher and crushed a grand slam in the fifth inning to anchor Sierra’s victory. The Timberwolves improved to 7-2 in league and 16-2 overall.

Wilson pitched the final three innings for the win, striking out three and walking one. Ace Allie Walljasper had five strikeouts and no walks in two innings. Lathrop’s Desiree Mendiola ruined the no-hitter with a knock in the first inning.

Wilson ended up 2 for 3 from the plate, while Walljasper was 2 for 2 with four RBIs, a double and a triple. Iyana Hughes and Kendelle Messersmith were both 3 for 4. Lexus Barnes went 2 for 2 with three RBIs and a double.