Lopez leads MC softball to victory

Brianna Lopez had an afternoon to remember on Thursday.

The Merced College softball team’s tilt with NorCal No. 10 Sierra got bumped up to earlier in the day because of transportation issues with the Wolverines. The early start time didn’t phase Lopez.

The freshman picked up three hits and drove in four, including a base-clearing double in a decisive third inning. Lopez then tossed 3 2/3 shutout innings to earn the save in 6-4 victory over Sierra at She-Devil Diamond.

Shelbee Ward, Marta Mitchell and Jessica Arias each added two hits to help MC (8-7) get back over .500 with its fourth win in three days.

Baseball

Merced College 6, Sequoias 1 in Visalia – Nicholas Gonzales continued to thrive in the Blue Devils’ starting rotation. The freshman turned in his fourth quality start in a row, allowing one earned on six hits in 6 1/3 innings pitched.

Curtis Kellogg and Alex Pallios each drove in a pair of runs, while Ricky Mena, Darren Trainor and David Vidauri each added two hits for MC (8-8, 6-2 CVC).

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 11:52 PM with the headline "Lopez leads MC softball to victory."