CITY SECTION SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS : Samoniego Homers to Lead San Fernando

San Fernando High snuffed three consecutive rallies by visiting Taft on Wednesday and senior first baseman Bernie Samoniego hit a two-run home run to lead the Tigers to a 3-2 victory in a first-round 4-A Division game.

San Fernando (14-6) led, 2-0, after Samoniego smashed a 3-2 pitch from freshman Julie Kawamoto over the left-field fence with Gloria Sanchez aboard.

Taft (9-12) scored a run in the fourth and San Fernando countered with a run in the bottom of the inning. Taft rallies in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, however, were cut short by senior right-handed pitcher Denise Mendoza, a good San Fernando defense and a controversial force play at third base.

In the fourth, Taft left runners at second and third as Mendoza recorded the final two outs on a strikeout and a back-to-the-box groundout.

Taft scored a run in the fifth, but San Fernando left fielder Lorena Lopez prevented further damage with a running backhanded catch of a line drive by Stephanie Fontane to leave a runner stranded at second base.

With none out in the sixth and Taft runners at first and second, Mendoza fielded a sacrifice bunt and relayed to shortstop Edna Salandez covering third base in time to retire Michele Gardner.

The ball appeared to squirt out of Salandez’s mitt. But both umpires--to the vocal displeasure of a bleacher full of angry Taft supporters behind third base--ruled the play an out. Taft did not score in the inning.

“That play had an effect on the game,� Taft Coach Carol Morgan said. “I don’t believe that both umpires could see it.�

Said Salandez: “It didn’t pop out. I don’t know what they’re all thinking.�

San Fernando Coach Bill Rielly said that Salandez made a “snow-cone� catch. “All she needed to do was step on the base and she was sitting on it.�

San Fernando will play Carson, which had a first-round bye, Wednesday at Carson.