Tustin Rolls On by Routing Saddleback

Going through its Golden West League schedule undefeated was a goal the Tustin softball team set before the season.

With a 14-0 five-inning mercy-rule victory over host Saddleback on Wednesday, the Tillers took another step toward that goal.

League champion Tustin (17-4-1, 11-0) has a game Friday against Westminster before the playoffs begin and the Tillers hope to finish on a high note.

“The girls want it bad,” Tustin Coach Erin Gallagher said. “We had a tough time with Ocean View, but since we got past them we’ve been thinking about going undefeated.”

Pitcher Shawna Silvas struck out 10, gave up one hit and didn’t walk a batter.

Tustin scored once in the first when Katie Speicher singled home Aneil Caruso then broke the game open with five runs in the third. Four runs scored on a bases-loaded single by Claudia Alarcon that was misplayed for a three-base error.

Tustin scored four more in the fourth on two-run singles by Silvas and Rosie Magana, then added another four runs in the fifth, the big hit being a two-run home run by Speicher, who had three hits, three RBI and scored twice.

Saddleback is 6-13, 2-9.