Cougars Can't Comeback in 6-4 Home Loss to Ventura

Story and photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons suffered a 6-4 home loss at the hands of Ventura College on Thursday, as the Cougars fell behind early and weren't able to come all the way back despite three-hit performances by Danielle Chatman and Sammie Burleson.

The Cougars (2-5) trailed 5-0 heading into the home half of the third inning, but quickly made it a one-run ballgame with a solo home run by Chatman in the third, and a big three-run fourth inning.

Ventura (5-2) opened the game by scoring three runs in the first and following that up with a run in both the second and third innings.

In the fourth, Katie Clinkunbroomer brought home the Cougars second run with an RBI sac-fly that scored Jordan Vallejo. 

Two batters later Chatman ripped a double to the right-field wall that brought home Burleson. Heidi Ludy then singled to left field to bring Chatman around to score and shift the momentum in COC's favor with a 5-4 score.

But the Cougars wouldn't be able to spark another scoring rally, instead seeing the game end at 6-4 after the Pirates added an insurance run in the seventh.

Chatman went 3-for-4 on the day with two runs and two RBIs. 

Burleson was 3-for-3 with a run scored and Ludy finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

COC starter Katie Taix took the loss after allowing seven hits and three walks in two innings of work. 

Megan Wilson came on in relief, striking out four batters and allowing one run over the final five innings.

Canyons will next play a weekend doubleheader hosted by Cypress College. The Cougars are slated to play Pasadena City College in the opener, then return for an afternoon contest with Cypress. 

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.