Pirates split season-opening doubleheader at San Jose City

Freshman Kuea Angilau smashed a home run and drove in two runs to help lead Porterville College to a 5-3 win in its 2019 season-opener at San Jose City College on Friday. Game 2 of the doubleheader didn't go the same way, as the Pirates lost 9-1 in five innings to close their day in the Bay Area.

San Jose scored a run in the bottom of the first to take an early lead before the Pirates rallied for three runs in the second to jump ahead 3-1. But SJCC tied up the game, scoring twice in the third. The score remained 3-3 all the way until the top of the seventh when the Pirates put up two final runs.

Sophomore Alexis Rodriguez shut the door in the bottom of the seventh to close out the complete-game victory. She allowed three runs and scattered six hits.

Shantae Gutierrez had two hits, while Sophia Carrillo and Ashley Rojo both drove in runs. Returning All-American Chelsea Ramos smacked a double and went 1 for 3 with a walk in her 2019 debut.

Game 2 got out of hand quickly for the Pirates. San Jose put up five runs in the bottom of the second and added four more in the fourth to hand Porterville a 9-1 mercy-rule defeat.

Ramos drove in PC's lone run of the ball game with a RBI double in the top of the third that scored Carrillo. Ramos went 1 for 2 at the plate with a walk to lead the Pirates' offense.

Ashley Eyraud took the loss in the start for PC. She allowed five runs and five hits over 1 1/3 innings.

Porterville heads to the East Bay to continue its season-opening road trip. The Pirates play a doubleheader at Ohlone College in Fremont on Saturday (Feb. 2). Game 1 is scheduled for 11 a.m.