For a team that is a little short on numbers and without one key
cog in the middle of the lineup, Gavilan’s baseball team is hanging
in during preseason games.
Gilroy – For a team that is a little short on numbers and without one key cog in the middle of the lineup, Gavilan’s baseball team is hanging in during preseason games.
The Rams went 1-2 last weekend against visiting Barstow College, dropping a 16-14 decision in 11 innings in the opener of a doubleheader Saturday, winning the second game 8-0 behind Brian Rossi, and dropping the third game Sunday 5-4.
Gavilan’s opening game loss was a heartbreaker. The Rams carried a three-run lead into the top of the ninth inning. But two errors and a three-run homer allowed the visitors to extend the game into extra innings. After each team scored once in the 10th, Barstow won it with two in the 11th.
Rossi was masterful in the second game, tossing a three-hitter with five strikeouts. As the designated hitter, Rossi hit a two-run homer. The Rams were error-free in the game.
In the Sunday game, Gavilan (6-7) made just one error but it proved costly. Joe Vasquez pitched well enough to win, allowing three unearned runs in the fourth. The one Ram error extended the fourth inning and the following batter homered.
“We’re going through some preseason stuff,” Gavilan coach Neal Andrade said. “We’re walking too many guys and making key errors in situations. All in all, being close to .500 is not bad going into conference play, and yet we know the competition is going to be a step up.”
One reason for renewed optimism is that all-Coast Conference first baseman Efrain Ruiz is due back this week. Ruiz will add a big bat in the middle of the lineup.
The Rams are home at 2pm Friday against Canada, and then conclude non-conference action with a noon game Sunday at home with Cabrillo.
