HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: PETALUMA HOLDS OFF SANTA ROSA, 6-5:MARTIN HITS THREE-RUN HOMER, CORIDS DRIVE IN TWO RUNS WITH DOUBLE

Defending a section softball title is tough, but Petaluma High is off to a good start with clutch wins over strong opponents.

In holding off Santa Rosa 6-5 at home Tuesday, the Trojans caught and threw the ball a bit better, with the teams matching big innings and solid pitching.

"We're still working at getting better. We're a ways from where we want to be," said Petaluma shortstop Chelsea Martin. "We hope to do some good things this year."

Early errors on the Santa Rosa defense helped Petaluma get ahead. But rallying late after mostly quiet batting efforts, Santa Rosa showed it could again be among the Empire's top teams after the school's best softball season ever.

"We're hoping to keep it going. When we hit and play defense, we're good," said Santa Rosa coach Jeff Pratt.

Petaluma scored first without a hit, taking advantage of two Santa Rosa throwing errors in the second inning.

In the next frame, Petaluma pushed four more runs across the plate. Allie Corids slugged a run-scoring double and Martin followed with a three-run homer over the fence in right-center. The captains each had two hits in the game.

Driving the ball even when making outs, the Trojans don't have many weak spots in their lineup.

"We're a strong hitting team. Our pitching is pretty good," Martin said. "It's all about pulling together as a team."

Limited to three hits through five innings, the Panthers broke out with five hits in the sixth to score their five runs.

Infielder and pitcher Denia Vera started the rally with a double off the fence in center field. The big blow was a three-run triple to right by Maddie Taylor, who scored when the throw home got away from Petaluma's catcher.

With starting pitcher Gina Barnacle tiring after a good effort, Petaluma went to Dana Thomson. After giving up a hit, Thomson saved the win with a pop out to the catcher and a soft line drive to second base.

Winning another one-run game -- Petaluma defeated Concord by one to open the season -- shows the Trojans are experienced under pressure.

Petaluma returns seven starters from last season's North Coast Section Division 2 championship club. They include All-Empire standouts Martin, Barnacle, Corids and T.J. Watts, making the Trojans the likely Sonoma County League favorite.

"This is a good bunch of kids. We expect to play well," said Petaluma coach Kurt Jastrow.

That the Panthers pushed Petaluma shows Santa Rosa can compete for the North Bay League title. All nine starters return from last season's NCS playoff squad, including All-Empire players Vera and Alison Wendler.

Vera pitched well in relief and had two hits Tuesday against Petaluma.