The Brahmas (1-7) committed over 20 errors combined in their doubleheader loss against the Santa Barbara Vaqueros (14-6) on Tuesday March 15.
The Brahma’s pitcher Madison Tupper threw over 30 pitches allowing 2 runs to score in the first inning of game one of the series.
In the top of the second inning, outfielder Jocelyn Burgara committed three catching errors, which allowed the Vaqueros to score and gain an early 3-0 lead against the Brahmas.
With a series of bunts and nine errors from Pierce, Santa Barbara was able to score nine runs off the Brahma’s and take a 12-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning of game one.
The Brahma’s tried to mount a comeback as they had the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth inning, but after several ground balls to the Vaqueros infielders they were unable to score.
They Vaqueros made the Brahma’s pay for not capitalizing on its chance to score in the fourth inning as they were able to score seven more runs in the fifth inning off of more of Pierce’s errors to win game one of 19-0.
Santa Barbara’s head coach Paula Congleton was not happy with the win as she reprimanded her team for not gaining more runs in the first game of the series.
“I want my players to play hard,” Congleton said. “I don’t care about this team. They played weak, and I don’t feel bad for them at all.”
Vaqueros assistant coach Kailey Snyder was happy with how the team played in the first game.
“It took us a few innings to adjust to the type of pitching that we saw and hit the ball really well,” Snyder said. “When we went to the small ball game is what helped us today.”
The Brahma’s assistant coach Danny Moore was upset on how the Vaquero’s played in the fourth inning.
“It’s a little frustrating, you never know when they start bunting and if you pull the players in they are going to swing the bat and hit the ball,” Moore said.
Game two of the doubleheader was a continuation of game one as Santa Barbara was able to beat Pierce 16-1 in another five inning game due to Pierce’s errors.
Santa Barbara was able to score four runs in the first inning due to defensive errors from the Brahmas.
In the third inning third base player Tyler Cano committed two more errors which lead to the Vaqueros score three runs.
After the top of the third inning Cano went to the dugout and quit the team in frustration with how the team was faring against their division rivals.
“I’m passionate about this game,” Cano said. “I don’t know what my future with this team will hold. I’m kind of up in the air about it all. It’s not easy sometimes there are a lot of games we can get the win in, but it’s a tough struggle to get the W.”
Cano is unsure on when she will make her decision on whether she wants to stay with the team or not.
“I can make my decision today or I can make it in three days from now I don’t know. I am passionate about this game, and I give 110% when I play and that’s all I can do. Sometimes that’s not balancing out, but we’ll ultimately see what decision I will make.”
Moore is hopeful she will stay on the team during the rest of the season as he feels she plays a major role for the team.
“I hope to see Tyler back in the next game, and I will look forward to having her back for sure,” Moore said.
Pierce’s next game will be another doubleheader on Tuesday March 22 against Hancock at Allan Hancock Field in Santa Maria.
