Pirates Secure Two Wins at Home

Game 1:  Modesto Holds Off Hartnell in a Tight 4-3 Victory

In an exciting matchup on February 8, 2025, Modesto hosted Hartnell in a closely contested softball game that ended with a 4-3 victory for the home team. The game, played in front of 120 spectators, was marked by strategic plays and a strong pitching performance from Modesto's Brooklyn Heffernan (Ceres HS).

Modesto set the tone early in the first inning, capitalizing on Hartnell's defensive mishaps. Kesaia Faasisila (Tracy HS) scored the opening run on a passed ball, followed by Sophia. Coronado (Kimball HS) crossing the plate thanks to a double by Katelyn Bridgeman (Tracy HS). Bridgeman later scored on another passed ball, giving Modesto a 3-0 advantage. The team added to their lead in the third inning when KK Zayehmoureh (Pitman HS) singled to bring home Coronado, making it 4-0.

Hartnell struggled to find their rhythm until the later innings. In the sixth inning, they began to claw back with K. Leon's sacrifice fly and H. Sanchez reaching on an error, both contributing to unearned runs. This effort brought the score to 4-2. In the seventh inning, M. Carrillo's crucial single drove in G. Machuca, tightening the score to 4-3. However, Modesto's defense held firm to secure the win.

Heffernan was instrumental for Modesto, pitching a complete game with seven strikeouts and allowing only one earned run. Despite a strong effort, Hartnell's C. Hoover took the loss, pitching six innings with four runs (two earned) on six hits.

Key performances included Modesto's Coronado, who not only scored twice but also stole two bases, and Hartnell's M. Carrillo, who contributed a run and an RBI with two hits. Despite the loss, Hartnell showed resilience, making the game competitive until the final out.

Game 2:  Modesto Secures Dominant Victory over Hartnell with a Shutout Performance

In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Modesto College triumphed over Hartnell College with a decisive 7-0 victory in a game 2 of the day. This win advances Modesto's record to 5-2-1, while Hartnell drops to 2-5-1.

The star of the game was Modesto's pitcher, Chloee Hoffman (Gregori HS), who delivered a stellar performance by pitching a complete game shutout. Hoffman allowed only five hits and four walks across seven innings, maintaining control throughout with 114 pitches, 59 of which were strikes.

Offensively, Modesto demonstrated notable prowess, accumulating 13 hits collectively. The scoring began in the second inning with Frankie Paz (West HS) reaching home on a passed ball, securing an early lead. The fourth inning saw Modesto broaden their advantage significantly. Paz's RBI single brought in Zayehmoureh, followed by crucial hits from  Faasisila and Bridgeman, each contributing to the scoreboard and resulting in a 5-0 lead.

The scoring was capped in the sixth inning with a two-RBI double by Hoffman, pushing Coronado and Faasisila across the plate, sealing the game's final score at 7-0.

Hartnell's pitcher, M. Sanchez, faced challenges throughout the game, pitching all six innings while conceding 13 hits and seven runs, six earned. Despite a 68 strike count out of 88 pitches, Sanchez struggled against Modesto's assertive batting lineup.

Defensive efforts were robust on both sides, with Modesto's Aaliyah Sesma (Oakdale HS) being the only player to commit an error. Modesto also displayed agility on the bases, with stolen bases by Faasisila and Cailey Jermain (Orestimba HS) contributing to the pressure on Hartnell's defense.

The Pirates Travel to Monterey on Tuesday February 11th to take on Monterrey Penninsula College at 12 and 2pm for a double header.