SUNNYVALE, CA - Junior Ilona Sullivan scattered six hits and struck out 14 batters, while also delivering the game-winning walk-off hit in the bottom of the eighth inning, as The King's Academy softball team concluded the regular season with a 2-1 non-league win over San Benito.
Kenzie Yamakoshi led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a double, her third hit of the game, and the Balers intentionally walked Malaya Street to get the force play back in effect, with no outs. Sullivan spoiled that strategy, however, as she took the first pitch she saw back up the middle, allowing Yamakoshi to race around from second to score the game-winning run.
San Benito had tied the game at one with three straight hits to lead off the top of the seventh inning. Dominique Monteon led off the inning with a two-bagger, followed by a double from Amber Rodriguez, which scored Monteon to tie the game. Madison Greco then delivered a hit up the middle, but TKA center fielder Street threw out courtesy runner Julissa Garcia at home to preserve the tie and send the game to extra innings. Sullivan, meanwhile, regained her form and struck out the final five San Benito batters she faced.
Yamakoshi's two-out triple in the bottom of the fifth provided the Knights with their first run of the game, as Cassie Gomez scored after drawing a walk to lead off the inning.
Both teams now await their seeding in the CCS playoffs.
