Redwood edges Garces in eight-inning pitchers’ duel for Division II title
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Redwood defeated Garces 1-0 with the lone run in the top of the eighth.
- Jackie Ramirez tossed a five-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts in the eight-inning game.
- Woodlake beat California City 11-1 and combined for a five-inning no-hitter due to the.
Redwood and Garces delivered a classic pitchers’ duel Friday night at Margie Wright Diamond on the campus of Fresno State.
Redwood’s Jackie Ramirez and Garces’ Jaiden Gutierrez put on a masterful display in the circle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout a scoreless battle that stretched into extra innings.
The game was finally decided in the top of the eighth inning when Jaden Lopez lined a single to center field, scoring Kyrie Rodriguez with the game’s only run and lifting Redwood to a 1-0 victory in the Central Section Division II championship game.
According to Central Section historian Bob Barnett, the title is Redwood’s first section championship since 2018.
Defense was just as important as pitching in the tightly contested matchup.
Redwood’s Kenzie Cantu made a highlight-reel play to rob Garces of a potential RBI, while Gutierrez escaped a bases-loaded threat by snagging a line drive to end the inning.
It was the kind of game that showcased why both teams earned a spot in the championship.
Ramirez tossed a five-hit shutout and struck out 11 batters. Gutierrez was nearly as dominant, allowing seven hits while recording five strikeouts.
Division V
Woodlake proved too much for California City in the Division V championship game.
The Tigers scored twice in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, rolling to an 11-1 victory.
The championship gives Woodlake its third consecutive section title and the sixth in program history.
Mareli Zamora led the offensive attack with two doubles and three RBI. Mia Gastelum and Ella Lara added two RBI apiece.
In the circle, Marriah Ellis and Brissia Paz combined to throw a no-hitter as the game ended after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
