Eagles capitalize on error in eighth to win 7-6
San Benito’s situational hitting Wednesday was outstanding.
Its fielding and the wildness of its pitchers left plenty to be desired.
Los Altos took advantage of the Haybalers’ fifth error to score the winning run in the eighth inning for a 7-6 win in the Knights of Columbus Tournament at the College of San Mateo.
“It’s a game we should have won,” San Benito coach Michael Luna said. “Errors have been our problem in the last few games. We’re not making the routine plays. We’re not getting it done.”
The ‘Balers (17-5) were an inning away from getting it done against the Eagles (16-5). Kolton Klauer’s two-out, two-run single in the sixth had staked San Benito to a 6-3 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, however, the first two Los Altos hitters singled. After the next hitter reached on a slow roller to third base, two more singles chased in the first two runs of the inning. A fielder’s choice grounder knocked in the tying run and left the Eagles with one out and first and third. After a diving catch in rightfield and a walk to load the bases, Kevin Medeiros struck out the next hitter to send the game into extra innings.
Los Altos got a leadoff single and a sacrifice to start the eighth. Shortstop Zach Canez went into the hole to field a grounder and arm-faked a throw to first. The Eagles’ runner rounded third and was caught in a rundown between the bag and home. Canez fired a strong throw to the plate but the ball was dropped and rolled away for the ‘Balers’ fifth error as the winning run scored.
“Part of it may be it was our fourth game in five days and we’ve been traveling,” Luna said. “Maybe we’re a little physically and mentally tired. We’re making mistakes that are hurting us.”
San Benito scored four runs in the first inning, getting three of them after two were out. After Canez’s leadoff walk, Klauer sacrificed. Brian Haggett then delivered an RBI single. After the second out, Ronny Fhurong singled in the second run. After a Justin Andrade single and Bryan Scott walk, Kyle Zozaya hit a two-run single.
Los Altos got three unearned runs in the second, taking advantage of two ‘Baler errors, before San Benito made it 6-3 in the sixth.
Klauer and Zozaya each finished with two hits.
“I was happy with our hitting,” Luna said. “We gave them 11 free bases and made five errors, and still had a chance to win.”
The ‘Balers are back in action at 4pm today when Bellarmine Prep visits Hollister.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Luna said. “We’ll see what type of team we’re made of after a tough loss.”
San Benito 400 002 00 – 6 9 5
Los Altos 030 000 31 – 7 7 2
Sanchez, Cabral (4), Medeiros (6), Eichhorn (8) and Kyle Zozaya. Johnson, Tachibana (7) and Young. W-Tachibana. L-Eichhorn.
