HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS : 5-A DIVISION : Key Error Gives Cypress 1-0 Win Over Simi Valley

Losing does not lend itself to good feelings.

But losing a big game because of a huge error feels even worse.

“That’s the worst way a team can lose a game,” Simi Valley High pitcher Sara Griffin said.

Cypress scored the game’s only run in the fourth inning on a three-base throwing error to beat Simi Valley, 1-0, Saturday in the Southern Section 5-A Division softball championship game at Mayfair Park in Lakewood.

With two out in the bottom of the fourth, Simi Valley catcher Kathy Beasley--attempting to pick off Julie Adams--overthrew first base. As right fielder Yody Roache approached to back up the throw, she slipped on the grass and the ball rolled past her and deep into right field.

By the time Roache tracked down the ball, Adams had scored easily.

“The (throw) must have hit something, because . . . I was lined up with it,” Roache said.

Simi Valley Coach Suzanne Manlet has seen Beasley pick off seven runners this season--six at first base.

“It’s her call,” Manlet said. “All year that play has worked for us and we’re not gonna stop it now.”

Except for that error, Simi Valley’s defense was spotless, even brilliant at times. Of the six Cypress players to reach base, four were cut down on the basepaths.

What the Pioneers lacked were hits. Simi Valley managed only two off junior right-hander Monica Jimenez (23-4), who struck out 11.

The Pioneers (26-3) had at least one runner in scoring position with one out in the first four innings but could not push a run across.

After Cypress (25-5) scored in the fourth, Jimenez retired the last nine batters she faced--five via strikeout.

Griffin (16-2), a sophomore right-hander, did not give Cypress batters much. Griffin scattered four hits, struck out 11 and did not allow a walk.

“It’s (everybody’s) fault,” said Griffin, who had one of the Pioneers’ two hits. “We had so many chances and we didn’t take advantage of them. If you can’t hit the ball, you don’t deserve to win.”