Tigers crush Santa Maria in softball playoffs to set up quarterfinal clash with Selma

The Tigers got to the quarterfinals via their convincing 10-2 victory over visiting Santa Maria Tuesday afternoon at Lemoore High School. Selma may have been just as compelling in its 11-2 win over Nipomo High School.

Should the Tigers upset the Bears on Wednesday, they’ll face the winner of the Tulare Union and Templeton matchup in the May 14 semifinals.

Lemoore's Madison Martinez makes a diving catch Tuesday to end the fourth inning of a 10-2 playoff victory over visiting Santa Maria.

Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

The Tigers more or less had the Saints number Tuesday afternoon, but until the bottom of the third inning, Santa Maria held on to a 2-1 lead. But the fourth inning was the decider as the Tigers scored four runs to lead 5-2, an advantage they maintained until the Tigers 10-run output ended the game.

The Tigers bats put on a show of their own Tuesday as LHS hitters combined for 14 hits in the game, including a three for three effort from Sierra Phelps – that included a pair of triples – and a superb performance from Jacky Esquer who drove home four runs on a pair of hits, including a pair of doubles.

Lemoore’s Tomi Ford pitched well for the Tigers. She went the distance, giving up just two runs and 12 hits. She walked three and struck out three Saints.

 The Tigers, who finished 6-4 in the West Yosemite League will face the Central Sequoia League’s Bears, a team that finished at 6-6 in league play and are 17-9 overall.

After spotting Nipomo a quick 2-0 first-inning lead, the Bears tour into Nipomo pitching, scattering 13 hits and finishing with a comfortable 11-2 win.