Dons’ defense sinks Pirates

   Pitcher Katlyn Harp got her ninth win of the season as the Dons’ defeated the visiting Orange Coast College Pirates 3-1 Monday.
   Harp got off to a shaky start in the first inning as Pirates’ catcher Katrina Gaar singled and scored on an RBI single from right fielder Summer Comstock making it 1-0.
   She retired the next 14 consecutive batters, only allowing another single from Garr in the sixth inning.
   “I was just thinking about pitching my best and not letting them hit anymore,” Harp said.
   This season, Harp has been instrumental on the Dons’ defense. With a 2.16 ERA, she received Honorable Mention for the California Community College Sports Information Association’s Athlete of the Month for February.
   “She’s one of our hardest workers,” said Co-Head Coach Jessica Rapoza.“Our team trusts her when she’s on the mound.”
   On offense, Dons’ shortstop Sarah Steinbeck tripled while left fielder Nicole Mendoza and third baseman Sarah Singh were walked. With the bases loaded and no outs, Santa Ana was unable to capitalize, leaving all three runners on base.
   The Dons tied the game in the second inning when center fielder Nicole Warnick scored on an RBI single from Mendoza. But with the bases loaded again and one out, a similar scene unfolded when all three runners were left on base at the end of the inning.
   “We needed to simplify and get little hits instead of
looking for that one big hit,” said Rapoza. “We have to remember, we just need to get around the bases.”
   Santa Ana took the lead in the fourth inning when right fielder Ashley Ross scored an unearned run on a fielding error from OCC. Their last run came in the sixth, when pinch runner April Marquez scored on a wild pitch.
   Steinbeck and catcher Melba Valencia lead the team with 19 hits apiece.
   This was the second time the Dons have beaten OCC this
season. The two teams will meet again on April 21.
   Next, the Dons visit Fullerton College in an Orange Empire Conference game, Wednesday at 3 p.m.