Prep softball: Redwood clinches MCAL title in final game of season

The MCAL softball playoffs may be slated for next week, but a postseason vibe definitely wafted over the San Marin High diamond when Redwood visited on Wednesday night.

With an opportunity to clinch the league’s regular-season crown outright, Redwood proved it’s ready for the playoffs en route to a 3-2 victory over San Marin. The top-seeded Giants, who have won nine straight, will face either San Marin or Tam in a first-round game at home next Wednesday.

“We’re excited to go and win,” said Redwood shortstop Ashley Weingart. “I know everyone is ready. I think we have a chance if we all play together. That’s what Redwood softball is all about — having love for each and playing as a family.”

The Giants (16-4-1, 12-2 MCAL) pulled together an impressive defensive stand in the bottom of the fourth inning while clinging to a 2-1 lead. San Marin pitcher Brittany Casper led off with a double to right center, and back-to-back one-out walks loaded the bases.

Redwood pitcher Georgia Pineda then hit Lauren Fong in the helmet to score pinch-runner Jenna Sampson and tie the game at 2-2. On the brink of a big inning, Pineda struck out Savannah Reynolds and then got a flyout in left field to minimize the damage.

“Georgia is just a fighter,” said Redwood coach Emily Atkinson. “She battles and doesn’t let things phase her. Luckily, George can laugh at herself. When you’re loose like that it’s easier to come back than if she was embarrassed. It could have been a different outcome.”

Weingart picked up her pitcher in the next inning, leading off the fifth with a single and scoring what proved to be the winning run on a sacrifice fly to center field by Maddie Sofnas.

When Pineda returned to the mound in the bottom of the fifth, she struck out two of the three batters she faced and only allowed one base runner over the final three innings. The left-hander finished with eight strikeouts and allowed seven hits.

Casper tagged Pineda for a pair of doubles, which led to the Mustangs’ runs in the second and fourth innings. San Marin’s ace had five strikeouts and only gave up six hits.

The Giants scored a pair of runs in the top of the first, aided by a misplayed ball in the outfield. Sofnas kept the early rally going with a run-scoring double to center field.

“This was a fun game tonight,” said San Marin coach Liz Hartmann. “We kept our energy high. You can tell it’s already a playoff atmosphere, We were just one hit away from taking the lead.”

On senior night at San Marin, the fact that the game could have gone either way created an exciting finish to the regular season for both teams.

“It’s going to be interesting if we possibly play them again next week,” said Atkinson. “It’s nice to have a competitive game.”

San Marin (8-11, 7-7) must wait for the outcome of Thursday’s game between second-place San Rafael and Tam. A win by Tam would set up a play-in game with San Marin on Friday to determine the fourth and final MCAL playoff spot.