Piedmont High School’s girls softball team got the key hits and strong pitching in a 5-2 win over visiting Hayward on March 26.
Kasja Benson had a two-run double in the third and singled in a run in the first. Teah Suhr and Hanley Carling also had RBI for the Highlanders. That was enough as Talia Perl went the distance, allowing two earned runs on five hits. She did get into trouble with seven walks but struck out six.
The Farmers got a home run from Jayda Hayes. Isabella Banuelos singled in a run for Hayward.
Piedmont is now 6-4 on the season, 1-0 in West Alameda County Conference Shoreline division play.
“In a game like this, you try to get out early and fast and try to set the tone,” Highlanders coach Gene Denard said, noting Piedmont scored three runs in the bottom of the first.
He said Perl, a freshman, is building up her stamina.
“You’ve got big expectations,” he said. “What we are trying to do is build her up for later in the year, playoff time. She has been doing a good job so far. In the last couple of games, we’re trying to give her extra innings.”
Benson said she was a little behind the pitch on her double.
“I wasn’t pulling through,” she said. “It was just down the foul line. I’m happy that I got it up and got it out of there so I could get some people in.”
She added, “We’re really doing good. We’re really learning and getting in there and getting it done.”
Banuelos went the distance, allowing 10 hits and a walk against three strikeouts.
On March 25, Piedmont won at Campolindo, 10-8. Suhr went three for five with two RBI and two runs scored. Edie Elmquist went one for three with two walks and three runs scored. Hannah Joerger went two for three with two RBI and a run scored.
Perl went the distance, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits with five walks and three strikeouts. The Cougars rallied with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but Perl held the line.
Bella Albiento went three for four with two RBI and a run scored for Campolindo. Nicole Furtado went one for four with three RBI and a run scored. Megan Baldelli was two for two with a run scored. Ariella Kauffman went the distance for the loss.
On March 24, the Highlanders lost to Mt. Eden at Piedmont, 20-5. Benson was two for three with two RBI.
Piedmont is next scheduled to play March 31 at Berean Christian.