April 30 Sports Roundup: Silverado claims softball title with walk-off

Valerie Beltran delivered a walk-off two-run single, and Alexis Rodriguez struck out seven as Silverado defeated Victor Valley 16-5 by a mercy-rule and clinched the Desert Sky League title. The Hawks improved to 9-1 in league play and secured first place with two games remaining, holding a three-game lead over Granite Hills. Despite the loss, Victor Valley is guaranteed a CIF-Southern Section playoff berth with a third-place finish in the standings.

Victor Valley struck first with one run in the opening inning, but Silverado answered with five runs in the bottom half. Victor Valley responded with four runs in the second to tie the game 5-5 before Silverado regained the lead for good when Rodriguez doubled to score Victoria Patino. Silverado pulled away from there, scoring three runs in the sixth inning to end the game early.

Beltran’s single brought home Patino and Alyzzah Piceno for the walk-off, which was followed by a celebration that saw Silverado players with custom league champion shirts. Remembering an icon: Victor Valley’s Leland Eudy remembered for impact beyond wins on the football field Rodriguez went 3 for 3 with one RBI and struck out seven in the circle, holding Victor Valley scoreless over the final four innings. Piceno went 3 for 5 with a home run, four RBIs and two runs; Patino went 4 for 4 with two RBIs, four runs and two stolen bases; Aryhana Shyne went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs; and Melina Rocha went 2 for 4 with three RBIs and one run.

For Victor Valley, Emma Kinney went 2 for 3 with two RBIs, one run and two stolen bases, while Adalyn Ramirez went 2 for 3 with one run. Silverado will close the season with two games against Granite Hills next week. Other Softball Scores Granite Hills 13, Barstow 2 At Apple Valley, the Cougars clinched a guaranteed CIF-SS playoff spot with a victory over the Aztecs.