Haybalers allow only two unearned runs, hold Soquel hitless for
final three innings in third straight win
Hollister – A strong-armed effort by the San Benito pitching staff propelled the Haybalers to their third straight win in the Pacific Grove Coast Classic as they beat Soquel 4-2 Tuesday.
Starting pitcher Zach Canez allowed only two unearned runs in three innings, Nathan Hopkins pitched two scoreless frames for his second win and Steve Cabral didn’t allow a hit over the final two innings as he picked up the save.
“Our pitching was very, very good,” ‘Balers coach Michael Luna said. “We’ve still got some work to do but I’m very happy with the pitching.”
The visiting Knights (0-3) struck first, scoring their only two runs in the third inning, thanks to a bit of luck.
With two outs, Jason Rivas singled and Max Miceli reached on an error. Cleanup hitter Ben Passafuime then hit a hard bouncing ball that got past San Benito second baseman Brian Haggett on a tricky hop for an RBI single.
Vince Lozano followed with a grounder that took a last-second hop that was out of the reach of shortstop Justin Andrade to drive in another run and make it 2-0.
But the ‘Balers quickly got that back. Kevin Gonzales led off the bottom of the third with a double and Andrade singled him home to make it 2-1.
After a Kolton Klauer groundout moved Andrade to second, Haggett ripped a soaring double over the center fielder’s head to tie the game.
“Once again, we answered back when they scored, which is a real good sign for us,” Luna said.
San Benito took the lead for good in the fourth. Hopkins ripped a one-out double and scored when a hard grounder by Gonzales got through for an RBI single.
Andrade and Klauer were both hit by pitches to load the bases. After a strikeout, Canez was hit by a pitch and that forced in a run to make it 4-2.
That proved to be enough and Cabral took the mound in the sixth and seventh and allowed only one baserunner while securing the win.
Gonzales had a solid day at the plate from the No. 9 hole, going 2-for-3 with a two runs scored.
“We’re playing small ball, trying to manufacture runs. We try to score one run an inning,” Gonzales said. “We’re improving, we still have a long ways to go.”
The ‘Balers offense will get a big addition for today’s game against Pacific Grove when Kevin Medeiros sees his first action of the year. Medeiros joined the team late because of his commitments to the basketball season, but was a second-team All-TCAL selection last year and will bat in the middle of the order.
“I like his aggressiveness, which we need,” Luna said. “He’s another guy who should provide extra-base hits and RBIs.”
Soquel 002 000 0 – 2 4 3
San Benito 002 200 x – 4 6 2
Nehrer, Grant (3), Miceli (4), Passafuime (5) and Miceli, Mueschen. Canez, Hopkins (4), Cabral (6) and Zozaya. WP – Hopkins (2-0), LP – Miceli. S – Cabral (1).
RBI – Andrade (SB), Haggett (SB), Canez (SB), Gonzales (SB), Passafuime (S), Lozano (S). 2B – Gonzales (SB), Haggett (SB), Hopkins (SB).
