Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning in the first round of the Central Coast Section playoffs, the Balers chance for a third straight run to the CCS championship game was about to fade away.
But seniors Jacob Tonascia and Rob Soto made sure the season wasn’t going to end so quickly.
Tonascia hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to tie the game and Soto gave the Balers the lead with a home run the next batter. The home runs were the Balers only hits of the game.
The Balers then escaped with a 3-2 victory over Menlo-Atherton in the first round.
The Balers now advance to Saturday’s quarterfinal game against Mitty. The location and time have not been determined. Mitty defeated San Benito 7-5 earlier this year.
In Wednesday’s victory, Conner Menez started and threw five innings, allowing two hits and striking out seven batters. Jacob Trujillo pitched the final two innings, allowing one run.