Sierra Rallies Past San Jose in Fifth Inning, 8-7

ROCKLIN, Calif. — Sierra College erupted for four runs in the fifth inning to break a 4-4 tie and held on for an 8-7 victory over San José City College in the first game of a Coast Conference softball doubleheader Friday.

Taylor Fitzgerald paced Sierra's 11-hit attack, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. The right fielder delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning, plating two runs to give the Wolverines a 6-4 lead.

Briana Parker followed with a two-run single to cap the decisive rally, extending Sierra's advantage to 8-4.

San José (2-2) mounted a late comeback attempt in the seventh inning. DJ Martinez doubled home Arianna Vergara, and Shelby Apostolo followed with an RBI double of her own. Belle Walker scored on a groundout by Anaya Zambrano to pull the Jaguars within one run, but Sierra retired the side to preserve the victory.

Martinez finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored to lead the Jaguars' offense. Apostolo went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs.

Sierra (1-0) struck first in the opening inning when Ciana Lagier launched a two-run home run. San José responded with four runs in the third inning to take a 4-2 lead, but couldn't hold it.

Lilianna Cruz earned the win in relief, allowing four runs on three hits over 3.1 innings. Lagier pitched the final 3.2 innings, surrendering four runs on four hits.

Priyah Quinonez took the loss for San José, allowing six runs — five earned — on five hits in 4.1 innings of work.