Things look great early on for the Turlock softball team, which is off to a 4-0 start in preseason play after dominating in two games in the Waterford tournament at Rainbow Fields Wednesday.
The 'Dogs won 5-3 over Patterson in the first game of the tourney backed by a standout performance from pitcher Mariah Gonzalez, who struck out eight in seven innings, and Madi Mayol, who had a three-run homer.
In the second contest, Turlock met Metro Modesto Conference's Enochs High in what became a pitching duel that involved little offense after both teams combined for only eight hits.
Freshman Shelby Frutoz provided the difference on both sides after she drove in two runs and tossed a complete game shutout, struck out eight and allowed only two hits in the process as the Bulldogs won it 2-0.
“We are excited, still have a lot of work to do though,” said Turlock head coach Jill Ogden. “We knew we would have a good team this year, but we are excited. They really seem to be taking in the stride, they just expect to compete in all games and if we do well and do the fundamentals right, then we have a chance to win.”
In the Patterson game, Turlock went up with a score in the top of the first after Tyra Hampton singled to get on base and she would eventually be driven in by Mayol with an RBI sac-fly.
Patterson then added two unearned runs to go up 2-1 in the bottom of the first but Turlock only took one inning off before making it 2-2 in the third after Sophie Mayol's RBI triple to bring in Jessie Miranda.
With a tie game heading into the fifth, Turlock finally struck with a three-run inning that was headed by Madi Mayol's three-run shot with one out to go up for good at 5-2.
Things got dramatic in the bottom of the sixth when the bases were loaded for Gonzalez, but the Bulldog pitcher was able to get the pop out to end the threat.
Turlock met Enochs with a strong will to continue their streak and they didn't disappoint even after a limited day for the offense, it still was enough.
The Mayol sisters reached base safely with two outs in the third inning, and Frutoz was able to provide help for herself after striking a two-run single to bring in both.
Frutoz went on to completely blank the Enochs offense and keep them limited as the Bulldogs won their fourth straight for the first time since 2009, when they won eight straight.
Turlock is scheduled to take on Liberty Ranch at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
