Late flurry carries Vaqueros past Cuesta, 10-4

SBCC scored six runs in the last two innings on Saturday to down Cuesta 10-4 in a nonconference softball game in San Luis Obispo.

The Vaqueros (2-0) led 4-3 after three innings. They pushed across four runs in the sixth after loading the bases with one out. Calista Wendell had an RBI single, Kayla Sanchez score on an error and Brandi Almaraz delivered a two-run single.

Both teams had seven hits and the Vaqueros took advantage of 12 walks and six errors.

Catcher Janet Salas, a freshman from Dos Pueblos High and the sister of former Vaquero star Monica Salas, went 2-2 with an RBI and two runs. She walked twice and reached base in all four at-bats. Wendell and Almaraz drove in two runs apiece.

Wendell came on in relief after Cuesta pulled within one (4-3) on a two-run double by Dayna Manser with one out in the third. Wendell held the Cougars to an unearned run on two hits and struck out four over the last 4 2/3 innings.

"I knew what my job was when I came into the game and that was to not let them score," said Wendell, a sophomore from San Diego who went 15-10 last year with four saves. "I felt calm and focused, knowing my defense would have my back."

The Vaqueros added a pair of unearned runs on errors in the top of the seventh. Santa Barbara left 15 runners on base and Cuesta stranded just three.

"We were tested at the plate today with our patience," said coach Justine Bosio. "Twelve walks in a game is a big number. We are doing some great things on the basepaths by taking advantage of certain situations teams are giving us."

SBCC will hit the road for the next three games. The Vaqueros will travel to Saddleback on Friday at 2 p.m., then play a doubleheader on Saturday at San Diego Mesa vs. Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. and San Diego Mesa at 3 p.m.