A late series of uncharacteristic errors by Vanden helped Benicia High’s varsity softball team come away with a 10-3 victory Tuesday in Fairfield.

Benicia was clinging to a 2-1 lead after four innings but scored eight unearned runs over the next two innings to take command. Vanden had a total of seven errors on the day.

“They fell apart a little bit,” Benicia manager Kristin Grubbs said of Vanden. “Typically they’re a very solid defensive team and not a team we ever take lightly. To come out with a win was a success for us.”

Benicia didn’t hit Vanden freshman pitcher Dariana Orme particularly hard. The Lady Panthers had nine hits in seven innings but a double by Brianna Schlattman was the team’s only base hit.

“We put the ball in play and took advantage of what was given to us,” Grubbs said. “That’s how you’re gonna win games.”

McKenna Gregory had a solid pitching outing for Benicia, scattering seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in a complete-game performance. Benicia’s defense made only one error behind her.

Schlattman and Katie Vretzos each had two hits for Benicia, with Vretzos scoring twice. Shelby Thompson scored twice while Gregory and Allie Bullock each drove in two runs.

Benicia improved to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the Solano County Athletic Conference, tied with American Canyon for first place. Vanden fell to 8-5 overall and 1-1 in the SCAC.

“We look at them as our rival and I think they feel the same way about us,” Grubbs said of Vanden. “Any time we play them, the game rises to a whole different level.”

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