The last time the Redwood High softball team lost a game was over a month ago. Let’s just say they didn’t care for it at all.

Winning their eighth straight game on Monday in a showdown for first place in the MCAL, the Giants got a measure of revenge with a 5-3 victory against host San Rafael.

The Bulldogs beat the Giants 2-1 back on March 30 to light a fire among the Redwood players.

“Losing to San Rafael and Marin Catholic the first time around, I think we had the fire to come back and beat them the second time,” said Redwood winning pitcher Georgia Pineda. “Personally, I thought we were going to win because I knew we had the passion to come in strong. We just knew we didn’t want to lose again.”

Redwood (15-4-1, 11-2 MCAL) took sole possession of first place with the victory. San Rafael (13-6, 10-3) is in second for now, but could still grab a share of the league title based on tough matchups when the final regular-season games take place on Wednesday.

Redwood plays at San Marin, San Rafael hosts Tam and third-place Marin Catholic hosts Novato. San Marin and Tam will be battling for the final MCAL playoff berth.

On a windy afternoon at San Rafael, Redwood showed the determination of a winner, accented by solid pitching from Pineda and superior defense, especially in gusty conditions.

The Giants erupted for three runs in the top of the third inning and never looked back. Shortstop Ashley Weingart and first baseman Maddie Sofnas singled to set the table for catcher Kaela Sparler, who blasted a double to deep right-center field for a 4-3 lead.

After Sparler stole third base, Pineda followed with a double to plate Sparler for the final margin.

The Giants came up with several defensive gems to keep the Bulldogs scoreless through the final five innings. Gia Meyers made a spectacular diving catch in center field and right fielder Josie Templeton ran down two tricky balls along the sideline.“We definitely work hard for defense,” said Redwood coach Emily Atkinson. “We know Georgia is a great pitcher but she’s not going to strike everyone out so we’ve got to support her. The outfielders did amazing.”

San Rafael scored a pair of runs in the first and another in the second for a 3-2 lead. Shortstop Sophia Everett scored twice and went 3 for 3, including a home run.

Except for Everett, no other San Rafael player got a hit off Pineda over the final four innings. The left-hander scattered six hits with three strikeouts.

San Rafael’s Megan Murphy gave up eight hits with three strikeouts. The Bulldogs continued to be plagued with defensive miscues including a bunt single by Redwood’s Maizy Crawford that was thrown down the right-field line and allowed the left fielder to score.

“Megan pitched an incredible game,” said San Rafael coach Mark Everett. “We’re a team laden with errors. We have some great plays and some not-so-great plays. It’s been consistent year round.”