Hollister softball, baseball advance to semis

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While they took different paths to success, both the Hollister High baseball and softball teams advanced in dramatic fashion to the semifinals of the Central Coast Section playoff tournament. 

On Saturday, the Haybalers softball team took a one-run sixth inning lead late in the game and held on behind a complete game by freshman pitcher Sidney Esparza, while the Hollister baseball team had to battle back late from a five-run deficit to walk it off in the last inning thanks to an RBI single by sophomore infielder Nate Candelaria. 

Hollister softball defeated Valley Christian 2-1 in the Central Coast Section Open Division and the second-seeded Balers will face third-seeded Archbishop Mitty High of San Jose on May 26 at a neutral site yet to be announced. 

The Balers baseball team, also seeded second, defeated Carlmont High 7-6 in the Division 3 playoffs and will play third-seeded Wilcox on May 26 at a neutral site yet to be announced.

The Hollister softball team scored the decisive run in the bottom of the sixth inning which was set up by senior catcher Avery Chavez stealing second after getting on base with a bunt to lead the inning. Two batters later, senior third baseman Madalyne Rodriguez hit a ground ball that bounced off the Valley Christian second baseman’s glove in her diving attempt. Chavez used her speed to race home without a throw. 

Rodriguez said she wasn’t sure the ball was going to get through the shortstop and second baseman so she was focused on trying to make it to first base safely and didn’t realize Chavez was heading home until the very end.

“I was really happy because that’s what we needed to get on top today,” she said. “It was a really great game.”

Hollister took its initial lead in the fifth inning after back-to-back doubles from right fielder Isabel Gonzalez and pinch hitter Aalynah Davila.

Hollister head coach Andrew Barragan said he put Davila in to hit because he liked the match-up. 

“She’s been putting the ball in play and we knew most of her hits have been over in the right field and we knew that the pitcher was going to pitch away from her,” Barragan said. “I just figured that would be a better match-up.”

On the mound, Esparza dominated, allowing a run in the sixth while giving up three hits and striking out 10.

“[It’s] incredible for being so young, as a freshman, just to come on the big stage like this against a powerhouse like Valley,” Barragan said of Esparza’s performance.

Esparza said she was able to pound the strike zone throughout the game and that her motivation was giving the team’s seniors another game. 

“It’s a huge honor,” she said of getting the complete game. “I’m just excited for our next game.”

Earlier in the day, the Baler baseball team trailed 6-1 to Carlmont High of Belmont after five innings before the bats came alive. 

The Hollister rally started with sophomore outfielder Layton Smith, who hit a two-run home run to left field to get the Balers within three.

With their backs against the wall in the seventh inning, Hollister took advantage of three hits to tie the game with two singles and a wild pitch. 

Then Candelaria came to bat with runners on first and second base with two outs and hit a single to center field to bring in the winning run.

“I’m so happy for our team,” Candelaria said. “To save our seniors, our year, it’s a very special moment.”

Baseball head coach MIchael Luna the team is used to coming back because it’s something they have done this season.

“They’re never out of a game,” he said. 

Luna also highlighted Smith’s performance on the mound when he entered as a relief pitcher and kept Carlmont from scoring in the last two innings.

BenitoLink thanks our underwriter, Hollister Rotary, for helping expand the sports coverage around San Benito County. Rotary is a nonprofit organization that conducts humanitarian projects, encourages high ethical standards, and works toward world understanding. All editorial decisions are made by BenitoLink.