Softball: Norco’s Gerhart closes out victory with show of force

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It took eight innings, but fourth-seeded Norco finally prevailed, 1-0, at Hart in a Southern Section-Toyota Division I quarterfinal.

No one can accuse Hart of not going down without a fight. Coach Steve Calendo let losing pitcher Destiny Rodino bat for herself leading off the bottom of the eighth inning, and she finally drew a walk against Teagan Gerhart after nine pitches. Gerhart had retired 12 in a row to that point.

But Gerhart got her 12th strikeout with the next batter, courtesy runner Caitlyn Zimmerman was thrown out trying to steal second base, and then Gerhart closed the game with her 13th strikeout.

Norco will play the winner of the game Friday between top-seeded Simi Valley and host Esperanza, which was postponed because of rain on Thursday.

-- Martin Henderson