Atwater softball ace adds to state lead in strikeouts with 13 in win over Golden Valley
Two of the top strikeout pitchers in the state took the circle on Tuesday afternoon at Atwater High with Falcons’ ace Amelie Valdez facing Golden Valley sophomore Bree Barner.
Both right-handers showcased why they have been racking up strikeouts at a high rate this season.
Valdez finished with 13 strikeouts and Barner recorded 11 punch outs as Atwater held on for a key 2-1 win in a battle of two Central California Conference teams battling for playoff positioning.
“This was a really big game and I’m so excited we were able to pull through,” Valdez said. “Especially since we took a loss in our last game against Central Valley.”
Valdez went the distance, pitching seven innings and surrendering just one unearned run on three hits.
Her 13 strikeouts brought her season total to 309, which is No. 1 in the state.
Barner gave up two runs on three hits. Her 11 strikeouts increased her season total to 268, which is third in California.
“We’ve been blessed with strong pitchers, but Amelie has just gone above and beyond,” said Atwater coach Jenna Boesch.
The Falcons (10-11-2 overall, 6-3 CCC) were worried earlier this spring if Valdez would be available to pitch. The senior pitched through shoulder discomfort early on this season because Atwater’s other two pitchers were also injured.
“I couldn’t afford to be hurt,” Valdez said. “My team needed me.”
Valdez said she was able to manage the injury with physical therapy. The sharp pain dulled over time and she feels better now.
“I think she used the injury as fuel,” Boesch said.
Valdez doubled to start the Falcons’ two-run rally in the fourth inning against Golden Valley (11-12-2 overall, 6-3 CCC). Valdez came around to score on a squeeze bunt by Zitlaly Zepeda. Hannah Slate added an RBI single to plate Mia Hendrickson with the second run to give the Falcons a 2-0 lead.
Valdez is striking out over two batters an inning on the season to go along with a 1.40 ERA. She’s able to overpower most hitters with her fastball. She can also go to her curveball, chanegup or riseball to keep hitters off-balance.
She’s said it’s been exciting to see her name climb the state leaders in strikeouts throughout the season.
“It’s surprising because it was unexpected,” Valdez said. “I think my mom was the first one to notice when I was like tenth in strikeouts. Then we went to a tournament in Reno and I pitched a lot and got a lot of strikeouts. I moved up to No. 2 and it was surprising.”
Now she leads the state.
Valdez hopes to lead the Falcons to a playoff appearance with a strong finish this season. She says she wants to play college softball, but is undecided on her future at this point.
“She’s really taken over in a leadership role for us,” Boesch said. “She’s constantly talking to her fielders, letting them know what to expect. She’s also the first one to pick them up.”
Both Atwater and Golden Valley will play their crosstown rivals on Thursday. Golden Valley will host Merced and Atwater will travel to Buhach Colony.
