A DUAL TO DARKNESS

April 1, 2009

April 1st, 2009, 7:21 pm · posted by CARLOS ARIAS, OC REGISTER

Santa Margarita and Rancho Alamitos played to a 0-0 tie in a pitcher’s duel that was called after eight innings because of darkness on Wednesday at Santa Margarita High.

Santa Margarita’s Amy Letourneau struck out 11 batters and gave up five hits while Rancho Alamitos’s Kari Gutierrez, who is headed to University of New Mexico, allowed only three hits while striking out two batters.

Sophomore right fielder Catherine Mann came up with the defensive play of the game when she threw out Racho Amaitos’ Sarah Steinbeck at the plate in the top of the eighth inning. Steinbeck had reached first base with her third hit of the game, stole second and was trying to score on single to right field.

Mann also snagged a line drive earlier in the game off the bat of Gabby Aragon that would have scored a run.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Santa Margarita’s Courtney Hiatt, who has committed to Humboldt State, singled with one out. But Steinbeck turned a nice double play to end the inning and the game.

Santa Margarita (9-4-1) opens up league play on Friday at Rosary. Rancho Alamitos (9-4-1) does not play again until April 14 when it faces Santiago in a Garden Grove League opener.