Look: London erupts for 23 runs in romp over Santa Rosa in Game 1 of 3A Area softball series

Corpus Christi London had 22 hits in the five-inning victory

FALFURRIAS, Texas - All season long the goal for Corpus Christi London has been to earn a state softball playoff berth. On Thursday night the Lady Pirates got one step closer as they run-ruled Santa Rosa 23-2 in five innings in the opening game of their Class 3A Area Championship series.

“We have been really working hard up to this point and we are just trying to stay alive in the playoffs,” London head coach Marinna Avila said. “I am very proud of the girls and they way that they played tonight. The ultimate goal is going to state and that is what we are working towards - getting a ring and everything that comes with it, becoming softball sisters.”

CC London and Santa Rosa square off again on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Game 2 of the series. If necessary, Game 3 will be played Saturday.

Aviles attributes their success in the playoffs to the district that they play in that includes state-ranked Bishop and Santa Gertrudis who both have been to the final four of the state tournament.

“We play in a very hard district,” Aviles said. “We have Big Bishop and SG (Santa Gertrudis), both have been to state, and one has won state so we have a very competitive district, which I am very proud of because I feel that it really prepares us for the playoffs.”

The Lady Pirates put on a batting clinic, ripping 22 hits as everyone in the lineup picked up at least one hit. Katie McBride led the way, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs and scoring two runs, while Chrysta Coy went 3 for 5 including a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

Corpus Christi London opened the game on fire and capitalized on a Lady Warrior error as the springboard to early success on offense. Leadoff batter Parker Roden was issued a walk to open the game, then Santa Rosa clamped down and picked up two quick outs.

Chrysta Coy ripped a hard fly ball to left field that looked like the third out, but a fielding error opened the door and the Lady Pirates never looked back. After Coy got on base, Maddy Perez walked then the Lady Pirates ripped five consecutive hits - by Mcbride, Alexia Stommel, Norah Garcia, Eva Gallegos and Roden. After the dust settled, it was 13-0 CC London in the first inning. 

Santa Rosa opened the bottom of the first inning with back-to-back hits by Alexis Colon and Desirea Ruiz. They would both go on to score to give the Lady Warriors their only two runs of the game.

Corpus Christi London continued add to their lead as they strung together four consecutive hits by Roden, Kailynn De Leon, Corty Lewalten and Coy to score four more runs in the second inning and open up a 17-2 lead.

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