Jags lose against No. 1 in Coast Conference Vikings  

The San José City College Jags (15-12, 4-5 Coast) could not carry their momentum from their walk-off win the previous day in this rescheduled matchup at home against the West Valley College Vikings (20-5, 7-0), losing 7-1. 

For the first five innings, the Jags and the Vikings were toe-to-toe in a 1-1 tied game as both teams played solid defense to prevent a second run on the board.   

The Vikings started the game with a one-out RBI walk with the bases loaded. In the third inning, the Jags took advantage of the Vikings' shortstop's error on Haley Castro's ground ball, allowing Melissa Felix to sprint home from second to tie the game.  

In the same play, the runner walking to third tried to steal home but was tagged out during a rundown. Alaina Valdez struck out the final out to stop the bleeding.   

The Jags had runners on base every inning but did not execute to grab a lead. On the mound, Valdez shook off the bumpy start and shut down the Vikings by only allowing one runner on base after a hit by pitch.  

Throughout the game, Valdez had four strikeouts and did not allow any hits until the fifth inning, which resulted in the Vikings taking a 1-2 lead after centerfielder Felix attempted a do-or-die to throw the runner out, but the ball was dropped at the plate.  

In the next play, Felix made a diving catch at a shallow line drive to end the inning. Jade Henry tried to start a rally by pounding the ball past the left fielder for a two-out double, but she was left stranded.   

In the sixth inning, the Vikings increased their lead to 4-1 with a two-run RBI single to left field. Pinch hitter, Bella Caruso-Commisso, delivered with a two-out single to left field, but no one brought her home.   

In the top of the seventh inning, Chelsea Rayment came in to relieve Valdez but gave up three runs with an RBI walk, a passed ball that allowed the runner on third to score, and an RBI sac bunt.  

The Jags had one more chance to catch up to the Vikings, and pinch hitter Maryssa Sarinana forced a throwing error from the Vikings' third baseman.  

Keana Castro lined out to the third baseman with one out, who threw out Sarinana at first base to get the force out. The Vikings ended the game with a double play and beat the Jags for the second time this season. 

By:  Malaya Street