SUNRISE SOFTBALL: Nelson, Wildcats tame Southeast champion Cougars

She picked a perfect time to have one of her best games of the year.

Nelson fired a two-hitter with eight strikeouts Monday as the visiting Wildcats stunned Southeast League champion Coronado, 2-1 in the opening round of the Sunrise Region tournament

“Kristina always battles,” said Las Vegas coach Kelly Lindahl. “Yes, she missed some spots at times, but she came back and hit spots at critical times.”

Las Vegas (17-10) visits Silverado (10-6) in a winners’ bracket semifinal at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Coronado (23-11) hosts Basic (7-8) in an elimination game at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The only run Nelson allowed was unearned.

With Las Vegas (17-10) leading 2-0 in the second inning, Katie Dawson reached and went all the way to third on a throwing error. She scored on a wild pitch.

The Wildcats committed three errors, but also made key plays to preserve the one-run lead. Nelson retired 12 of the final 13 Coronado hitters.

“We made several big-time defensive plays behind her today,” Lindahl said.

Las Vegas took advantage of a Coronado error to build its lead.

After a first-inning walk to Samantha Taylor, Paulina Franco popped up a bunt that the Cougars caught, but threw wildly to first in an attempt to double off Taylor, who raced to third.

She scored on a wild pitch, and Brooke Booth tripled and scored on a passed ball later in the inning.

“This team knows how to battle,” said Lindahl. “We knew we were in for a fight today, especially with the way Coronado has been playing. It’s always great to win the opening game of the tournament.”

Silverado 17, Basic 5 — At Silverado, Brandi Splinter went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, two runs and two RBIs, and Ashlee Phillips was 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs as the Skyhawks blitzed the Wolves in five innings.

Kaitlyn Amaral was 3-for-4 with a double, a run and two RBIs for Silverado.

Jessica Pittman was 3-for-3, and Leah Causey went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI for Basic.

Rancho 5, Foothill 0 — At Foothill, Aly Lamboo threw a four-hitter to lead the Rams (21-11) over the Falcons (22-14).

Lamboo struck out nine and walked four.

Kayla Coles tripled, and Brandy Marlett and Tori Hafen each had a double for Rancho, which will visit Green Valley (20-9) at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Green Valley 7, Liberty 1 — At Green Valley, Maggie Manwarren went 3-for-3 with four runs and four stolen bases as the Gators rolled past the Patriots.

Chelsea Perez was 2-for-3 with two RBIs, and Samantha Loving tossed a four-hitter for Green Valley.

Hayley Freestone was 2-for-3 with an RBI for Liberty (10-9), which will visit Foothill in an elimination game at 4 p.m. Tuesday.