Vizzusi, Oliver keep Downey baseball in the hunt for playoff berth

Defying its youth and inexperience, the Downey High School baseball team remains in the hunt for a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I postseason berth.

Rocci Vizzusi smashed a two-run double in the first inning and Elijah Oliver went the distance in a 9-3 victory over Davis on Wednesday afternoon.

Vizzusi was 2 for 4 with three RBIs as Downey won its third consecutive game.

The Knights (10-13, 8-6 Modesto Metro Conference), who took two of three against Enochs two weeks ago, are one game behind Enochs (15-10, 12-5) and Gregori (15-8, 9-5) in the loss column with four games left.

“We are thrilled to be in this position,” Downey coach Jeremy Plaa said. “Beating Enochs two out of three has really boosted our team confidence, and we are playing well right now in all facets.”

Oliver gave up three runs and six hits. He struck out three and walked one. The senior has allowed three earned runs or fewer in seven of his eight starts.

Oliver put his entire repertoire on display Wednesday, including his move. He picked off three runners to stymie the Spartans (2-20-1, 1-13).

“Elijah pitched well in the complete-game victory,” Plaa said. “He had one inning that he struggled with control but was able to pick two runners off to get out of the inning.”

Downey surged to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Vizzusi’s double.

Zach Cruz, Aaric Holt, Jimmy Calvillo, Braden Plaa and Chad Beams also drove in runs for the Knights, who had 12 hits. Luis Bustos led the assault with three hits, including a double, and Cruz was 2 for 4. Anthony Rodriguez scored two runs.

Downey will look to complete the three-game sweep of the Spartans on Friday at home. The Knights close the season with a three-game set against Gregori next week.

First things first.

“We’ve got to finish the week on Friday,” Plaa said. “Davis is a young and improving team and would love to play spoiler.”

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Vizzusi, Oliver keep Downey baseball in the hunt for playoff berth."