Saunders' Game-Ending Hit Moves Mustangs to Second Round of CIF Playoffs

As accomplished a hitter as catcher Katie Saunders is, the Mira Costa junior had never hit one out of her home ballpark.

On Wednesday, she did just that, but it was another "first" for her that was equally important, and maybe even more so, for the Mustangs.

Trailing by one run in extra innings, with teammates Kamyle Glover and Taylor Glover on base with one out, Saunders stepped to the plate with plenty of pressure on her shoulders.

“Dick [coach Amberik] threatened me [laughs]," said Saunders. "I don’t really remember what he said. I was nervous, but I really wanted to drive in the runs. I want to play Thursday and I know this team can go far.” 

Saunders rocketed a Megan Hardisty fastball off the outfield fence for a double, scoring the Glover sisters and advancing the Mustangs in the CIF playoffs as they took Righetti in extra innings, 8-7.

“I knew somebody was going to be my hero," said Amberik. "It’s always someone different and today it was Katie.” 

Saunders first “walk-off” hit capped a lengthy struggle in which both teams left several runners on base and squandered opportunities to take the game in the allotted seven innings.

“Our team, we love to fight," said third baseman Stefani Lajeunesse. "We have it in us to fight until the end and today showed what kind of team we have.” 

Winning pitcher Breanna Kelly shook off an adverse start to the game as Righetti pulled out to a 6-1 lead after three innings.

“We made some mental mistakes in the first inning that cost us three runs, but the girls hung in there,” Amberik said.

Kelly allowed just one run the rest of the way as she put in extra time, picking up a complete game victory in eight innings.

“Breanna did an amazing job," said Lajeunesse. "The wind was pushing her pitches, but she fought through it.” 

The one run the Warriors put up on the scoreboard after the third came in the eighth inning as number nine hitter Sydney Welbaum’s single into right field was enough to bring home Joey Lopez from second after Lopez doubled earlier in the inning.

The Mustangs struggled to manufacture runs, despite putting 16 runners on base, as the potent bats of Mira Costa were inconsistent all game.

“I have never hit a homerun here in my life here," said Saunders. "That one [a solo shot in the first over the centerfield fence] kept me positive even though we were down early.”  

In the sixth, Taylor Glover picked up her second of three hits, doubling to left centerfield to drive in her sister Kamyle, bringing the score to within one at 6-5.  

Saunders walked and then Amberik, as he has all season, gave Taylor Glover the green light to steal as the sophomore swiped third base safely with two outs.

“Taylor has magnificent speed and timing," said Amberik. "I let her decide if she thinks she can beat the throw and let her utilize that exceptional talent.”

Glover’s steal was crucial as she scored soon after, thanks to a wild pitch by Hardisty that hit home plate and bounced high and away, allowing Glover to beat the relay home and tie the game.

Taylor Glover and Saunders each picked up three hits and Saunders reached base on four of her five plate appearances.

Up next for the Mustangs is a date with Lakeside High School (18-6) today in which the Mustangs will head to Lake Elsinore.