Beckman hands Woodbridge its first league loss

IRVINE -Beckman's softball team handed Woodbridge its first Pacific Coast League loss Thursday, defeating the Warriors, 2-1, at Lower Peters Canyon Park.

Sophomore Kira Griswold struck out 11 and allowed just four hits for her 10th victory. She also knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning, helping Beckman (11-8, 4-2) get back in the title race.

“Kira, since she came back from her injury, has been terrific,” Beckman coach Glen Fisher said. “They have some good hitters, but she did a great job. She battled hard today.”

Woodbridge (13-11, 5-1) came into the game alone at the top of the PCL, but is now tied for first with Northwood, which defeated Corona del Mar, 24-2, on Thursday.

“We lost to them in the seventh inning last time so this was good,” Fisher said. “They're a good team and they play hard, but we always seem to get up for them.

“This is the first game in several weeks where I've had everybody healthy so it's nice. When we're as young as we are, it's hard to play without some of your pieces, but we're getting better.”

Woodbridge scored a run in the first inning. Ryne Nakama singled and came home on an error.

But the Patriots took the lead in the third inning. Alyssa Hudler doubled and Cote Clark singled.

Lauren Bennett and Griswold then had sacrifice flies to drive in the runs to put Beckman ahead, 2-1.