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Townsend debuts as starting pitcher in Ripon’s drubbing of Escalon
Ripon-Escalon softball
Ripon shortstop Addison Naranjo waits to tag out Escalon’s Izabelle Marsellis (22) while she attempted to steal second. - photo by SEAN KAHLER

 ESCALON — With the sun setting on the Trans-Valley League softball season, Ripon’s Clara Townsend toed the rubber for her initial varsity start Friday and posted a five-inning mercy rule shutout, as the visiting Indians pounded Escalon, 11-0.

Ripon-Escalon softball
In her first varsity start as pitcher, Ripon’s Clara Townsend went the distance for the shutout, striking out four while allowing three hits.
“I was very proud of the defense today,” Townsend said. “They really had my back, especially with me being a little nervous with my first varsity start in the circle.

“I was really grateful for the defense today.”

Leadoff batter Jaycee Wilmshurst did her job for Ripon (9-0 TVL, 15-4 overall), going 3 for 4 with three RBI and a pair of runs.

“The last game, we put the ball in play but a lot of times it was to an infielder,” Wilmshurst said. “This time, our approach was to get the ball in play in the gaps, and I think we did a good job of doing that.”

Alana Hernandez had the big bat for the Indians, going 2 for 4 with four RBI, including a two-RBI triple, along with a run.

“On my first at-bat, I had kind of a popup in the same area as where the triple would go,” Hernandez said. “I tried to make an adjustment to stay more on top, and that’s why I was able to produce.”

Madison Babasa led off the bottom of the first for the Cougars (3-6, 6-15) and reached on an error, working her way to third only for the next three Escalon batters to go down in order, ending the biggest Escalon threat of the day.

“It was a great win,” Ripon coach Tanner Jordan said. “I am super proud of the team and how we played. We had a little bit of a rocky start with their first batter, but we kept our composure and kept playing hard. From then on, I thought we took care of business pretty well.”

Kharime Caratachea, the Indians’ normal starting pitcher, was unavailable on Friday, setting the stage for the sophomore Townsend.

“I am proud of Clara (Townsend) for stepping up for us today,” Jordan said. “She pitched a great game, and I am very happy with the way the defense backed her up as well.”

Izzy Spurzem was 2 for 3 with an RBI double for Ripon.

Today’s non-league tilt for the Indians with Kimball has been canceled. Ripon travels to Sacramento to face Capital Christian on Monday in a non-league game and closes out the TVL schedule Tuesday at home against Riverbank with both games at 4 p.m.