Pirates split season-opening doubleheader with Cuesta

PORTERVILLE --- Porterville College rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure a 5-4 a walk-off win over visiting Cuesta College in the first-game of a doubleheader on opening day Thursday.

Ally Boyd was a two-way standout for the Pirates in the win. At the plate, she went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. She also got the start in the circle and pitched well in a no decision. Boyd allowed just one earned run (4 runs) and five hits over six innings.

Hailee Smutz also knocked in a pair of runs, going 2 for 4 with a run. Mo Moseley (2 for 3, 1 RBI) had two hits as well, including the game-winner in the seventh.

Ashlyn Houston picked up the win in relief, closing out the game with a scoreless seventh.

Cuesta returned the favor in the finale, scoring four runs in the top of the seventh to beat the Pirates 8-4. PC led 4-3 after five innings but couldn't hold on for the win.

Porterville totaled 10 hits in Game 2, getting two each from Cheyenne Ausborn (2 for 4) and Cassie Cannon (2 for 3, 2B, run). Cienna Enriquez chipped in on offense with a two-run double in the fourth.

Boyd took the loss, allowing three earned runs (4 runs) and four hits over the final two innings.

Porterville, 1-1 overall, returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 5) when the Pirates travel to Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria for a non-conference doubleheader at 10 a.m.