Cypress, CA – The Cypress softball team (10-1, 5-0) celebrated head coach Brad Pickler's birthday with an 8-0 mercy rule victory over the Saddleback Gauchos (6-8, 2-3).

The Chargers capitalized on four costly errors by the Gauchos to build a 4-0 lead before going on a four-run rally in the sixth inning to close the game. Taylor Pierce (5-1) tossed a six-inning shutout, surrendering five hits with three strikeouts. She also went two-for-three at the plate with three RBI and two runs while second baseman Amanda Toledo went two-for-two with a run and two RBI. 

The Chargers got on the board in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to several errors by the Gauchos. Taylor Pierce got on base after getting hit by the pitch and advanced to second thanks to a sacrifice bunt from Allyson painter. Nicole Wise launched a fly ball to leftfielder Brittney Chacon, but to her relief Chacon dropped it to get charged the error as Pierce ran home to give Cypress a 1-0 lead.

The home team almost extended their lead by a wide margin in the third inning after loading the bases with no outs. Taylor Pierce struggled to capitalize after getting caught looking for a strike out, but Painter followed up with a walk to bring one run in. However, Ashley Ramirez fouled out and Nicole Wise struck out to leave the runners stranded as the Chargers took a 2-0 lead.

Pierce almost had a scare on the mound after surrendering a one out double to Hope Manuszak. The sophomore pitcher managed to force a ground out from the next batter, but Manuszak advanced to third on the play. Fortunately, the following batter, Nicole Gliko, popped out to second baseman Amanda Toledo to finish the inning.

Cypress saw déjà vu in the fourth inning with the bases loaded as Taylor Pierce had another opportunity to extend the Chargers' lead. With two outs, Pierce slapped a hard single to right field to bring home one run, giving Cypress the 3-0 lead. Yet, the Chargers struggled to string a rally as Painter struck out to end the inning.

The Chargers' offense did all the damage in the sixth inning thanks to a four-run rally to close the game. With no outs and runners on first and second, Taylor Pierce cleared the bases with a double to center field. After Painter singled to advance Pierce to third, Amanda Toledo closed the game with a double to deep left field to score both runners.

The Chargers will play Fullerton on the road Friday, March 4 at 2 PM and then head back home Saturday, March 5 to host Cerritos College at 3 PM. 

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