SOFTBALL: Sliding Cap Routed 6-0 by Hillsdale

The Score: Hillsdale 6, Capuchino 0.

The Star: Hillsdale High catcher Courtney Tyler sparked the visitors’ surprising eight-hit assault with a 2-for-4 showing that included plenty of pop in a battle of Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division favorites on Tuesday afternoon. The sophomore No. 3 hitter opened the scoring with a two-out, two-run double against Capuchino ace Michele Pilster (5-2) in the third inning, and then ignited a surge that made it 5-0 in the fifth by crushing a two-out double to left field.

The Turning Point: The top of the third inning set the tone for the game. Hillsdale’s Ashley Izumi led off the inning by striking out, but she reached base after a dropped third strike and subsequent throwing error (the first of two such plays in the inning). Danielle Fonseca added a one-out single and then Tyler put Capuchino in a 2-0 hole by ripping an opposite-field double to right on the first pitch she saw. That cushion proved more than enough for Hillsdale right-hander Jordan Richwood, who allowed only a bunt single through six innings.

The Quote: “I think this will be a big wake-up call to us, and I’m not too disappointed because I’ve been saying this is something we’ve needed for the last few weeks. … For us, we needed this kind of loss to maybe right the ship.” – Mustangs coach Todd Grammatico, hoping his team will use its blowout loss to Hillsdale to snap out its sluggish start to the season.

What’s Next? Capuchino visits Terra Nova on Thursday at 4 p.m. in a PAL Bay Division game.

The Bottom Line: The Mustangs’ PAL Bay title hopes took a blow. Cap finished 11-3 in league last year, but nevertheless were second behind Hillsdale in the final standings. Even though it’s very early, the Mustangs (5-2, 2-1 PAL Bay) lost ground in an early litmus test for both teams.

Notes: With most key players back on both teams – and with senior hurlers on both sides – Capuchino and Hillsdale both harbor PAL Bay Division and Central Coast Section title hopes. … In the first of the teams’ two league meetings, Hillsdale (5-2, 2-0) looked noticeably more polished at the plate and in the circle. A stunning seven Knights registered hits against Pilster (10 strikeouts and four walks), and four had at least one RBI. Meanwhile, Capuchino managed three singles, two of which didn’t leave the infield, against the Memphis-bound Richwood, who struck out 11 and walked two. … Both teams experienced plenty of mishaps in the field. Cap had four errors, to Hillsdale’s three. … Knights newcomer Keonie Yo enjoyed a solid showing against a top pitcher. The center fielder went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. … Cap struggled out of the gates last season as well, but reeled off a 17-game win streak and later advanced to the CCS Division III title game.

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Hillsdale 6, Capuchino 0

H – 002 030 1 – 6 8 3

C – 000 000 0 – 0 3 4

WP: Richwood. LP: Pilster (5-2).

2B: H: Tyler 2, Yo. 2 hits: H: Tyler. 2 RBI: H: Tyler, Yo.

Records: Hillsdale 5-2, 2-0 PAL Bay. Capuchino 5-2, 2-1.