Estancia softball will soon fence hitters in

COSTA MESA — The Eagles will be fenced in now.

And it’s a good thing to Estancia High softball coach Alan Caouette and his Orange Coast League leading Eagles (15-6, 5-0 in league).

“Those balls that are hit in the gaps won’t go for home runs anymore,” said the third-year coach, whose team has benefited from playing at home without a fence this year, hitting most of its 15 home runs.

Caouette said the removable fence, with black mesh, will be installed Thursday in time for at least two regular-season home games and possible CIF Southern Section playoff games.

Caouette said the distances from home plate to the fence down the lines will be 200 feet and somewhere between 230 and 240 feet to straightaway center field.

“This is the first time we’ll have something like this,” said Caouette, adding that the athletic department came up with the funding for the fence. “It’s going to be good, and we’ll continue to hit well.”

— David Carrillo Peñaloza