Sabana Grande wins in Juncos, leads women’s softball final series

Sabana Grande pitcher Morgan Smith helped her own cause with a first-inning solo homer to open the scoring.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Prodigiosas of Sabana Grande defeated the host Valencianas of Juncos 2-1 on Sunday at Felipe Díaz Torres Park in Game 3 of the Women’s Premier Softball League Crown Series.

The triumph marked the first victory by a visiting team in the championship series and the first game in which both squads scored, following two consecutive shutouts by the home teams in the first two games of the series.

Star import Morgan Smith was once again instrumental for Sabana Grande, earning the win with a solid seven-inning performance. The pitcher from Phoenix, Arizona allowed just three hits and one run, issued two walks, and struck out nine batters.

The Prodigiosas took the lead in the first inning when Smith homered over the left-field fence with the bases empty to open the scoring.

Juncos rallied in the fourth inning when Leanne Matthews singled in Suzannah Brookshire from second base to tie the score at 1-1.

Sabana Grande answered back in the top of the fifth inning however. Eva Torres led off with a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Alanis Rodríguez, and subsequently scored the go-ahead run on an RBI single by Olivia Elliot.

The Prodigiosas’ second run came against reliever Mariah López, who pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one run, walking six batters, and striking out four.

Smith also led the Sabana Grande offense, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, a run scored, an RBI and a walk. Torres went 1-for-1 with a run scored and two walks.

The Prodigiosas lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is slated for this Thursday at 7 p.m. at Quintín Hernández Park in Sabana Grande. Game 5 is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. at Felipe Díaz Torres Park.