Salinas – After dropping just its second Tri-County Athletic League game last Thursday, the San Benito baseball team was determined to get back to its winning ways when it visited North Salinas on Monday. The ‘Balers did so easily, throttling the Vikings 11-0 in an abbreviated six-inning game.
“It was nice to win, (but) we expected to win,” San Benito head coach Michael Luna said. “Once we got our focus and concentration together, we were able to put them away.”
After two scoreless innings to start the game, the ‘Balers got their offense on track in the third. First baseman Breyon Canez began the rally with a one-out walk and scored on a double by Karson Klauer. Brian Haggett followed with an RBI single and, by the end of the inning, the ‘Balers scored twice more to push their advantage to 4-0.
San Benito scored two more in both the fourth and fifth innings, and then finished North Salinas off with a three-run sixth. Klauer led the ‘Baler offense by going 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs. Haggett finished 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs and Justin Andrade went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
‘Balers pitcher Ryan McFall threw four scoreless innings to push his record to 5-1. The senior struck out five and allowed two hits.
After dispatching the lifeless Vikings (3-17, 0-12 TCAL), San Benito returns home to face Live Oak tomorrow. The ‘Balers haven’t played on their home diamond since defeating Palma on April 12.
In a race for first place with Palma, which also has just two league losses, San Benito can ill afford to have a letdown against Live Oak. Luna said the ‘Balers’ success against the Acorns thus far bodes well for his team, but also means that their opponent will come in looking for payback.
“They’ll be a big challenge,” Luna said. “They’re still fighting for a playoff spot. We’ve beaten them twice already, so I’m sure they don’t want to get swept.”
First pitch in the San Benito–Live Oak contest is at 4pm in Hollister on Wednesday.
