The Pitman High varsity softball team made quick work of Downey High on Tuesday afternoon, exploding for 10 unanswered runs which ended the game via mercy rule. 

The game was called after four and a half innings thanks to the Pride’s offensive onslaught, which saw nearly everyone in the lineup either score a run or collect an RBI. It was Pitman’s second league matchup of the season and first at home; the Pride lost to fellow Central California Athletic League opponent Modesto High 9-3 last week. 

For head coach Joe Lewis, the bounce back win showed growth from a young squad with just five varsity returners. 

“They played really well. I’m excited to see how they progress,” Lewis said. “We lost half of our team last year to graduation, which never normally happens, so right now we’re adjusting a lot of young players on the team.”

One of those young players is sophomore shortstop Madison Rosebrough, who was 3-for-3 on Tuesday with an RBI and two runs. Sophomore second baseman Rylee Reeves also had an RBI on a sacrifice fly and scored after drawing a walk, and sophomore Ella Underwood collected an RBI as well. Pitman’s veterans also held it down for the Pride, with seniors Haley De La Riva and Kaylee Zayehmoureh both collecting two RBIs each. 

“Everyone played really well, even though we saw some pitching we hadn’t seen before which makes it hard,” Lewis said. 

Pitman pitcher Gabby Pacheco pitched the shutout for the Pride, allowing just two hits with no walks and five strikeouts. 

“She pitched great,” Lewis said. “It’s always good as a pitcher when you have a rough outing to come back strong the next game, and she did that today.”

Pitman is now 4-4 overall and 1-1 in CCAL play. Next, they’ll take on Gregori High at 3:45 p.m. in Modesto on Thursday.