Pinkston in control as Coronado’s softball team takes over first place in Southeast

Sarah Pinkston is still pacing herself as she returns from back surgery and cannot be relied on just yet to pitch every single game for Coronado’s softball team.

The junior hurler, though, is awfully good when she does make it to the circle.

Pinkston tossed a two-hitter with six strikeouts Wednesday to lead the Cougars to a 7-2 road win over Rancho to move into first place in the Southeast League with two league games remaining.

“She just brought it today,” Coronado coach Melissa Krueger said. “She was a force and she knew the importance of (playoff) seeding and everything. …

“She pitched really well the first time we played against them, but had to leave early with back pain. And she had a no-hitter through (four) innings.”

Pinkston, who moved to 8-4 on the season, prevented Rancho (22-5, 6-2) from making contact by keeping the ball low. She finished with 14 ground-outs and just one walk.

“Her drop ball was really effective today,” Krueger said. “She kept the ball down and trusted her defense to make plays.”

Coronado, which trailed 1-0 after the first inning, scored six runs in the top of the third on six hits to take control. The Cougars (19-12, 7-1) batted around and forced Rancho pitcher Samantha Pochop to throw 37 pitches in the inning.

No. 9 hitter Marissa Kopp led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third base on consecutive bunt singles by Tatum Spangler and Dylan Underwood to load the bases for Basia Query, who hit a two-run single near the left-field foul pole to grab a 2-1 lead.

“(Kopp) is kind of our table setter,” Krueger said. “She’s batting like .350 for us, the No. 9 hitter. She’s definitely a spark plug.”

Pinkston added a two-run double down the right-field line to bring in Underwood and Query to make it 4-1. Sophia McCann hit an RBI single to plate Pinkston, then came around to score on a RBI double by Erica Hardy.

“We all talked about not letting (Pochop) dictate our at-bats, and to take control,” Krueger said. “Our Nos. 1 through 5 hitters have been on fire lately. We’re hitting the ball really well and making solid contact.”

Rancho pulled within 6-2 in the fourth inning on an RBI double by McKinzi Vega.

Coronado tacked on another run in the seventh on an RBI triple by McCann, who finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Query was 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs for the Cougars, who had 12 hits.

“Basia is really focused right now,” Krueger said. “She’s keyed in. She’s our offensive and defensive leader — just a really talented hitter who will always put the ball in play.”

It was the second time the Cougars beat Rancho this season, as they won a 3-2 home game on April 8.

“Our No. 1 goal at the beginning of the year was to win the league and get the No.1 seed,” Krueger said. “We control our own destiny now. That’s why this win was so important.”

Pochop tossed a complete game, striking out 13 and walking one, for Rancho.

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.