Bloesch Powers Rio Vista Past Highlands in High-Scoring Slugfest

Caleigh Bloesch delivered a standout performance at the plate, driving in five runs on two hits to lead the Rio Vista Varsity Rams past Highlands 24-14 on Tuesday. Bloesch singled in the second inning to plate three runs, then capped her day with an inside-the-park home run in the sixth that drove in three more.

It was a high-scoring affair from the start, with Rio Vista collecting 14 hits and Highlands responding with nine of their own. The Rams also showed exceptional patience at the plate, drawing 15 walks and swiping 18 stolen bases throughout the game.

Highlands struck first in the top of the first inning, using two walks to put runs on the board. Pallon drew one of those walks to bring in the game's opening run. Rio Vista quickly answered in the bottom half, as a triple by Camryn Perkins and a sacrifice bunt by Makyla Mandujano knotted the score.

The Rams blew the game open in the bottom of the second, erupting for eight runs on three hits to jump out to a 10-2 lead. Bloesch's three-run single was the highlight of the big frame.

Highlands refused to go quietly, storming back with eight runs on three hits in the top of the third. Melody Ramirez and Melody Flores each singled in a run, Arieana Espinoza and Diana Romanskyy each drew run-scoring walks, Sakura Goffney was hit by a pitch to drive in another, and Hanalei Miller delivered the big blow — a three-run double that made it a close game again.

Rio Vista responded immediately in the bottom of the third, plating six runs on four hits to stretch the lead back to 16-10. Perkins led the charge with a two-run double as the biggest hit of the inning.

Bloesch put the exclamation point on the afternoon with her inside-the-park home run in the sixth, driving home three runs to help seal the 24-14 final.

Perkins earned the win in the circle, allowing nine hits and 14 runs — 12 earned — over six innings while striking out six and walking 13. Goffney absorbed the loss for Highlands, surrendering all 24 runs (23 earned) on 14 hits over five innings, with seven strikeouts and 15 walks.

Perkins paced Rio Vista at the plate, going 3-for-5. Aaliyah Kittlings and Taylor Bledsoe each had multiple hits, and both led the team with three walks apiece. On the bases, Kittlings, Mandujano, Samiah Holley, and Bledsoe all stole multiple bags as the Rams ran wild for 18 total stolen bases.

For Highlands, Miller was the offensive standout, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs out of the cleanup spot. Flores led the team with three hits in five at-bats, while Pallon drew a team-high three walks. Goffney swiped two of the team's four stolen bases on the day.