CLEARLAKE OAKS — They only got credit for the one win, but the Konocti Rams actually beat the Upper Lake Wildcats twice on Monday afternoon at East Lake Elementary School in Clearlake Oaks.
Konocti (6-3) scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to pull out a 13-12 victory in middle school softball action, that after Upper Lake plated three runs in the top half to move ahead 12-11.
The Rams were lining up to shake hands with the Wildcats following what they thought was an 11-9 victory after four innings — the umpires had called the game because of a league 90-minute time rule for games — but Upper Lake protested, claiming there was still time enough — seven minutes — to start another inning. Upper Lake won the protest and the fifth inning got under way just as a light rain began to fall.
The Wildcats rallied to take the lead but Konocti came right back in the bottom of the fifth to win the game for a second time. Grace Reyes (3-for-3) singled home the tying run and was replaced by pinch-runner Maddy Garner, who promptly stole second base. She ultimately scored after a pair of Upper Lake overthrows.
The game was tied 9-9 going to the bottom of the fourth. Konocti’s Irianna Milano drew a four-pitch walk to lead things off. One out later Leanna Ortega smacked a double down the left-field line to drive in Milano. An error by Upper Lake’s outfielder allowed Ortega to continue around to the plate.
“We thought the game was over,” Konocti head coach Luis Perez said. “Their coach protested, so we played another inning.”
Both teams scored five times in the first inning. Konocti went ahead 9-5 with a four-run bottom of the second and Upper Lake pulled even with a four-run top of the third.
Konocti starting pitcher Aly Aguirre struggled with her control in the first inning and was relieved by Brooklyn Tubbs. Aguirre took Tubbs’ place at shortstop. Tubbs struck out the side in the top of the second but had trouble throwing strikes during Upper Lake’s four-run third inning and was replaced by Aguirre with the bases load and two outs. Aguirre retired the only batter she faced on a foul popup to first base.
“I thought Brooklyn pitched awesome,” Perez said. “She gave Aly the break she needed.”
Aguirre ultimately picked up the win after Konocti rallied in the bottom of the fifth. She also went 2-for-3 at the plate. Kierstyn Lambert also had a hit and her run in the bottom of the fifth tied the score at 12-12.
Konocti returns to action Thursday in Cloverdale at 4 p.m.
