In back-to-back games against the San Diego College Mesa Olympians, the El Camino College Warriors gave up zero runs and advanced to the second round of the 3C2A SoCal Regional Playoffs.
The Warriors shut out the Olympians 5-0 in Game 2 of the first round on Saturday, May 3, at the ECC Softball Field.
Neither team had recorded a hit until the top of the fourth inning, when infielder Morgan Knight gave the Warriors momentum by hitting a triple to right field, bringing in three RBIs.
“Once we got those three runs in, everyone came up and started getting fired up. I believe everyone had a part in this win, especially Lexi. She’s a stud,” Knight said.
Warriors pitcher Lexi Ramirez earned her 26th win of the season allowing only two hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. It was also her second shutout victory of the season.
With this victory, the Warriors look ahead to their rematch with the Long Beach City College Vikings on Friday, May 9, where they will have a second chance to avenge losing the season series to the Vikings.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first three innings, with both teams in total achieving one hit and three walks.
The Warriors eventually recorded seven hits, building momentum throughout the game. Three players—Knight, center fielder Jackie Ordonez, and catcher Anahi Pintado—had two or more hits.
“We needed more aggression at the plate. We have a great hitting team, but when we see hotter pitching, we tend to be less aggressive. Even though I think we were aggressive, I would’ve liked for them to have been more aggressive,” Olympians coach Cris Ponce said.
Ramirez faced 24 batters, threw 90 pitches, and landed 51 strikes in seven innings.
She was supported by a strong defensive effort, allowing the Warriors to turn three double plays during the game.
Ramirez pitched a no-hitter through six innings before Olympians outfielder Braelyn Hill hit a single to the infield.
Warriors shortstop Cheyenne Navarro attempted to barehand the ball but came up short, ending Ramirez’s bid to throw the first postseason no-hitter in ECC history.
“I think our defense was phenomenal. We were able to turn three double plays—almost four. Lexi’s pitching was on point, so I think our defense was kind of the name of the game today,” Warriors coach Jessica Rapoza said.
Olympians second and third baseman Maura Evans hit another single in the top of the seventh, but Ramirez responded with the third double play of the game.
She then struck out Elijah Medina—who played pitcher, third base, and outfield—ending the game and securing the Warriors’ advancement to the next round.
The Warriors move on to Round 2 of the SoCal Regional Playoffs on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. On the road against the Long Beach City College Vikings (38–4).
