After earning at least a share of the Tri-County Athletic League
title with Friday’s win over Palma, the San Benito Haybalers
claimed the league title outright on Tuesday when they easily
defeated host Alisal 19-1 in six innings of play.
SALINAS
After earning at least a share of the Tri-County Athletic League title with Friday’s win over Palma, the San Benito Haybalers claimed the league title outright on Tuesday when they easily defeated host Alisal 19-1 in six innings of play.
With two games remaining, both of which will be at home to second-place Gilroy, the Balers (15-1 TCAL, 19-5) have a now-insurmountable three-game lead in the loss column over the rival Mustangs.
Tuesday’s win over the Trojans ensured San Benito’s final two games of the regular season against Gilroy will be for nothing more than bragging rights.
Pounding out 20 hits against Alisal, the Balers carried a 7-0 lead through three innings of play before eventually posting a nine-spot in the sixth.
The game was called in the sixth inning due to the 10-run rule.
Darin Gillies went 4 of 4 in the game with a double and a home run — his fourth of the season. Although known for his exploits on the mound, Gillies now leads the TCAL in homers.
Meanwhile, Trevor Fabing went 3 of 5 for the Balers, while Ricky Garcia was 3 of 4 and Kyle Prewett was 2 of 2.
On the bump, Kyle Vallejo (3IP, 0R, 4K, 0H, 1BB), Anthony Ocampo (2IP, 1R, 2H, 1K, 0BB) and Cooper Sepulveda (1IP, 0R, 0H, 1K, 0BB) combined for the two-hit shutout.
Alisal plated its only run in the fifth inning.
The Balers will host Gilroy on Wednesday and Thursday to wrap up the regular season. Both games will start at 4 p.m. in Hollister.
Bryan Granger is expected to start for San Benito on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Thursday’s game will be Senior Day for the Balers, and those Little League players in attendance, and in uniform, will receive a free hot dog and have the chance to win baseball apparel.
SANB — 223 039 X — 19 20 1
ALIS — 000 010 X — 1 2 4
