Roundup: Central Catholic’s Garcia strikes out 14 in Valley Oak League win over Sierra
Tuesday’s Valley Oak League baseball game between Central Catholic and Sierra was won by the defense.
The Raiders (11-7, 6-1 VOL) could come up with only two hits against Sierra’s Zac Cook, but ace Adrian Garcia struck out a career-high 14 batters, gave up five hits and allowed only one run as Central Catholic remained first in the VOL with a 2-1 win.
Both teams had to make great defensive plays behind the pitchers. Central Catholic loaded the bases in the third inning with the game tied at 1-1. Fernando Alaniz drew a walk, scoring a run, but that was all the Raiders would get after an inning-ending out stranded the bases loaded.
The one-run lead was all Garcia and the Raiders’ defense needed to secure the win. Sierra had its chance at tying the game with the bases loaded, but Central Catholic’s defense didn’t break. A heads-up play from right field and solid work by Alaniz behind the plate kept the Wolves scoreless the final four innings.
“In a 2-1 ball game, both pitchers did a great job and we had to make some really good defensive plays to keep us in the game,” Raiders coach Danny Ayala said. “On a hit and run, our left fielder picks up the ball and throws a guy out at third. Our catcher backdoors a guy at first, so we did some really quality things to take away today.”
Garcia stole the show. He blew his fastball by batters, and his breaking ball worked to perfection, painting the outside corner multiple times for strikeouts.
“Our catcher came in after the first inning and said he’s setting up and he’s hitting the glove,” Ayala said. “There were times where they got a guy on base in difficult innings, pressure situations, and he just kept making pitches. He’s been doing it all year for us.”
The defending VOL champions will take on Sierra again Thursday before competing in a weekend tournament April 21-23.
Mariposa County 9, Orestimba 7: After a scoreless game through three, both teams scored six runs in the fourth inning. Despite scoring one additional run, the Warriors (11-8, 8-1 SL) gave up two runs in the bottom of the sixth that ended up determining the game.
Davis 8, Beyer 3: The Spartans (3-10, 2-7 WAC) won Tuesday’s Western Athletic Conference road game in convincing fashion. It is their first win since a 16-6 victory over Big Valley Christian on March 3. They will host Beyer on Thursday as they look to win their first home game this season.
Ripon Christian 19, Gustine 4: The Knights (13-2, 9-0 SL) remain undefeated with Tuesday’s Southern Athletic League win. Jacob Kowes had two doubles and Grant Sonke finished with three RBIs and two stolen bases.
Oakdale 4, Weston Ranch 0: Mustangs ace Johnny Wylie struck out 12 batters as Oakdale (11-6, 5-2 VOL) won its second straight game. Wylie also led the team in hits (3) and RBIs (2) in the game.
Waterford 6, Denair 3: The Wildcats (3-13, 1-8 SL) picked up their first league win Tuesday. The victory also snapped an eight-game losing streak that dated back to March 14.
Softball
Gregori 2, Turlock 0: The Jaguars (12-5-1, 8-2 CCAL) ended Turlock’s (14-5, 7-3 CCAL) four-game win streak in Tuesday’s CCAL tilt. Two runs in the third inning was enough of a lead for pitcher Kailey Estes, who struck out 14 batters and allowed just two hits. With the win, Gregori takes over the CCAL’s top spot.
Enochs 4, Pitman 3: After falling behind at the end of the second inning, the Eagles (10-7, 6-4 CCAL) scored three unanswered runs, including the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth to come out on top.
Ripon 8, Escalon 7: Caitlynn Campbell hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to keep Ripon (10-2, 6-0 TVL) undefeated in Trans-Valley League play.
Golden Valley 7, Central Valley 0: The Hawks (4-13, 2-4 CCC) were shut out for the fourth time this season. Golden Valley’s Maria Barillas had three hits with one home run and four RBIs, and pitcher Bree Barner struck out 16 batters.
Riverbank 12, Livingston 0: The Bruins (6-8, 2-3 TVL) scored 12 runs for the second time in four games as they beat the Trans-Valley League’s second-to-last-place team for their second league win of the season.
Big Valley Christian 14, Elliot Christian 1: Ava Hernandez struck out 14 batters and went 4-4 at the plate to help the Lions (14-2, 3-1 CCAA) bounce back from last week’s league loss. Cecily Fontana finished with two hits with one double and three RBIs.
This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 10:50 AM.
