The Porterville College softball team totaled four hits but couldn't bring anyone around to score in a 4-0 Central Valley Conference loss to visiting Merced College on Tuesday.

Despite the low number of hits, the Pirates had their chances. PC left at least one runner on base in all but two innings in the game and totaled seven for the game.

Porterville's best chance to score came late in the contest. Samantha Dale and Hannah Grimes both singled to put runners on first and second base with one out. But Merced pitcher Brianna Lopez got Sophia Chamberlain to strike out and Britnei Murray to fly out to end the game.

Taylor Maddox and Raeleen Torres also had hits for Porterville. Grimes took the loss after allowing four runs and 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings.

The defeat dropped the Pirates to 2-13 overall and 2-5 in conference play. Up next for Porterville is a CVC doubleheader on Thursday (Mar. 16) at College of the Sequoias, starting at 1 p.m.