Both teams were strong in the circle on Monday, but the Salinas Cowboys was just a little bit stronger at the plate in their 2-0 victory over the Palma Chieftains. Kiersten Jara started the game for Palma Varsity Chieftains and recorded 19 outs.

Jara struck out 12 batters on the day. The hurler also gave up three hits and one run over six and one-third innings while walking one.

The Cowboys got on the board in the top of the seventh inning after Abi Jones hit an inside the park home run, and Sam Merillana singled to center field, each scoring one run.

Jones earned the win for the Cowboys. The right-handed pitcher surrendered two hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out 17 and walking one.

Sophia Cardinale (SCU)?? and Keilani Pato each collected one hit for the Chieftains.

Palma will welcome the North Salinas Vikings on Wednesday for their next game.