2 weeks Ago
El SEGUNDO — Jacy Lindsay knew the task at hand when El Segundo hosted Torrance in Friday’s Bay League softball showdown.“We knew it was going to be a close game,” Lindsay said. “(Torrance starting pitcher) Emma (Hayashida) is a really solid pitcher and we knew we were going to have to shut it down on defense.
”Lindsay emerged the victor, scattering four hits over seven innings, striking out four and El Segundo took advantage of a bases-loaded walk in the third inning to hand Torrance a 1-0 loss.The win marked the twelfth consecutive for El Segundo (16-3, 3-0). While Lindsay has been stellar in the circle over that stretch, Eagles’ coach T.
D. Mayer noted the success has been thanks in large part to the defensive effort.“Jacy is pitching phenomenal, and we’re making all the plays behind her,” Mayer said.
“Four-out innings are the killer. We’re playing really good defense and Jacy is making really good pitches at the right time. These 1-0 games are crazy.
”After working around a two-out walk in the first, Lindsay allowed a leadoff double to Maddie Schepp before walking Lexi Lopez. The Eagle hurler settled in after that, striking out Danica Seki before retiring the next two Tartars on ground balls to end the threat.“One of the things that got me through that inning was my catcher (Sullivan McLaughlin),” Lindsay said.
“She keeps me down to earth, but knowing the defense is there to back me up gets me back into the mindset.”Lindsay ran into trouble again in the fifth and sixth innings, but Torrance’s offense was unable to muster much. The Tartars stranded nine runners on the day.
Of the 21 outs recorded, Lindsay induced nine ground ball outs and five fly outs.Lindsay came back out in the seventh, working around a one-out error to record a strikeout before Alyssa Swords lineout ended the game.“We needed to shut that (seventh innings) down,” Lindsay said.
“That was our inning and it was awesome that we came together and worked together to get that win.” `While Lindsay was leaving Torrance (14-6, 1-1) guessing, Hayashida was utilizing her curveball and screwball to keep the Eagle lineup off balance.“(El Segundo) has some big hitters, and my main goal was to pound the zone and not worry too much,” Hayashida said.
“I knew my defense had my back.”Related ArticlesSan Pedro alum Ashley Esparza entering LA City Section Hall of FameDaily Breeze Girls Athlete of the Week: Bailey Murray, RedondoDaily Breeze softball Top 10 rankingsEl Segundo softball shuts out West Torrance to begin Bay League playDaily Breeze Girls Athlete of the Week: Ashannalee Titialii, CarsonThat was apparent in the first inning. Sienna Mayer laced a one-out double inside the third-base line, but was thrown out by Tartar right fielder Ayane Rokugawa trying to advance to third on a fly out to end the frame.
Mayer had two hits and two stolen bases, while Charli Pages and Kacey Ekstrom recorded the Eagles’ other two hits.“I was really excited,” Hayashida said of the first-inning play. “I know our defense works a lot and I’m thankful for them.
I know they have my back.”Hayashida worked around a pair of second-inning walks, but a bases-loaded walk issued to Jazlene Ramos in the third inning proved to be the difference Friday. Hayashida scattered four hits and struck out three over six innings.
She walked four.Lindsay knows each game has a meaning. But after losing to Torrance 2-1 in nine innings last year, she knew her team was hungry for this win.
“We really wanted this win,” Lindsay said. “This one was extra special.”.
