Merced hands San José City College a 5-2 defeat in doubleheader opener

MERCED — Maisen Priddell homered, drove in three runs, and Haiden Priddell tossed a complete game as Merced College defeated San José City College 5-2 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Merced College.

Merced (1-0) struck early when Maisen Priddell launched a two-run homer to left field in the first inning, scoring Lacie Nycum to put the Vikings ahead 2-0.

The hosts added three more runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Maisen Priddell reached on a shortstop error that scored Nycum, making it 3-0. Mariana Oberti followed with an RBI single to center field, and Ava Oberti capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 5-0.

San José (0-1) managed its only runs in the sixth inning when DJ Martinez singled to right field, plating Anaya Zambrano and Ciara Donahoe to make it 5-2. Martinez finished 2-for-4 with two RBI. Arianna Vergara went 3-for-4 and Donahoe added a hit and a stolen base for the Jaguars.

Haiden Priddell earned the win, going the distance and allowing two runs on 11 hits while striking out one and walking one.

San José starter Priyah Quinonez lasted just two innings, surrendering five runs on five hits. Makenna Sieling (0-1) took the loss in relief, pitching four innings and allowing no earned runs but issuing four walks.

Nycum led Merced offensively, going 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Maisen Priddell finished 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.

San José committed one error, a misplay by shortstop Chevelle Quistian that proved costly in the third inning.