After having its 65-game Moore League winning streak snapped by Wilson earlier this season, the Lakewood softball team finally looked like itself again in a 10-0 (5 innings) win over the Bruins on Thursday at Joe Rodgers Stadium.
High School Softball: Lakewood vs. Long Beach Wilson
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“We took them lightly the first time,” Lakewood coach Andy Miramontes said. “We thought we were all that, and they beat us. That’s what happens when you think you’re better than someone else.”
Lakewood starting pitcher Cassie Perryman allowed only one hit in the second inning and three total base runners who didn’t reach second base. She finished with four strikeouts and got nine of her 18 recorded outs with fly balls or pop ups.
“She was on today,” Miramontes said. “It was one of her best outings getting ahead and staying ahead.”
Perryman, who didn’t get out of the third inning in the streak-breaking loss to Wilson, threw a first-pitch strike to 15 of the 21 batters she faced.
“If I get ahead it calms me down,” Perryman said. “There’s definitely a big impact from (the league losses) that happened. We all realized that we have to work harder than we have before. It’s focus and execution.”
Lakewood racked up 12 hits and took advantage of three critical Wilson errors to score eight unearned runs. Left fielder Cassie Camou had a 2-run home run in the fifth inning, and a 3-run home run in the sixth to cap the scoring.
“We knew that we’ve been a flat team for awhile, but everyone was giving their all and do what they can to win. All of us were in it. We’re so happy to come out here and play like we should be playing.”
Freshman Kendall Lundberg had an RBI double in the first inning, and drove in two runs with a single as part of the 5-run sixth. First baseman McKenzie Hutchinson and second baseman Emily Martin each had two hits. Leadoff hitter Taylor Pack, Lundberg, Jordan Kaeka and Lundberg all scored twice at the top of the lineup.
“It’s been a roller coaster year,” Miramontes said. “I’ve seen some great softball, and I’ve also seen some pretty bad softball from Lakewood. Hopefully we’re getting in stride headed towards playoffs.”
The Lancers have won the last five league titles, and 10 of the last 11. During the last decade, they have four quarterfinals appearances, two semifinals and one finals in 2013. However, last year a young Lakewood squad lost in the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.
“We’re pretty pumped to get into the playoffs,” Perryman said.
Wilson (13-15, 9-1) is still in first place by a game over Lakewood and Millikan, but the Bruins will travel to face the Rams on Tuesday for the regular season finale. Wilson can clinch the title with a win, but a Millikan win will create a three-way tie for the league championship. The Bruins haven’t won the crown since 2012.
“I still hate Millikan, but of course I’m rooting for them, I’m no dummy,” Miramontes said. “Everyone is young and I think the next two or three years we’re going to see some great Moore League softball.”
