Velasquez Helps Fullerton Force Tie for First in Softball

Lynette Velasquez pitched a three-hitter and hit a home run to help Fullerton beat Cypress, 2-0, in an Orange Empire Conference softball game Wednesday at Fullerton.

The victory moves Fullerton (28-8, 10-3 in conference) into a first-place tie with Cypress (32-12-1, 10-3) and Saddleback (25-7, 10-3) with eight games left.

Velasquez and Fullerton held a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning when she drove a pitch well over the right-field fence to put Fullerton ahead, 2-0.

Velasquez (3-3) gave up a single to Cypress’ Aimee Weathers to open the seventh but got the next three batters to get the victory.

“If you look at the stats only,” Fullerton Coach Lisa Bassi said, “she’s our No. 3 pitcher. But she’s worked really hard to get into pitching shape. She begged to have the ball today.”

Fullerton took a 1-0 lead in the third. Deborah Hargrave and Kristy Osborne singled to start the inning. One out later, Velasquez was walked intentionally to load the bases. The run scored when Jennifer Johnson hit a high bouncer that Cypress pitcher Jamie Wilkes reached for and threw home only to have Osborne called safe on a close play.

Cypress’ best chance to score came in the fifth when Sophia Garcia and Stacy Humphries started the inning with singles. After a sacrifice, Fullerton catcher Johnson picked a runner off third with a quick throw and Velasquez got a strikeout to end the inning.