Seven runs in the fourth and 12 strikeouts from pitcher Bryan
Granger allowed the San Benito Haybalers to defeat visiting North
Salinas 11-1 on Friday in a five-inning game between the two
Tri-County Athletic League teams.
HOLLISTER
Seven runs in the fourth and 12 strikeouts from pitcher Bryan Granger allowed the San Benito Haybalers to defeat visiting North Salinas 11-1 on Friday in a five-inning game between the two Tri-County Athletic League teams.
The game was called in the fifth due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Friday’s contest was more along the lines of what San Benito manager Michael Luna was expecting on Tuesday when the Balers defeated the Vikings by 10 runs, but failed to end the game any earlier than the allotted seven innings.
Friday’s shortened game was a result of San Benito’s 7-spot in the fourth inning that took the Balers from a 3-1 edge to a 10-1 cushion.
With two runners in scoring position, Mark Hurley connected on a 2-RBI double down the left-field line, scoring both Kyle and Matt Vallejo. After Isaak Ramos hit an infield single to move runners to the corners, Ryan Sabbitini delivered an RBI single and Nick Acosta then followed with a 2-RBI double that one-hopped to the right-field fence.
Justin Schlie rounded out the fourth frame with a 2-run homer off the right-field scoreboard.
Meanwhile, the Vikings did most of their damage in the first inning when starting pitcher Bryan Granger (5IP, 0ER, 3H, 3BB, 12K) allowed two of his three hits, resulting in an unearned run.
Granger otherwise shut down North High for the remainder of the game, however.
“He was pretty much dominating the hitters, especially with his breaking ball,” Luna said.
The Vikings’ one-run lead lasted until the bottom half of the second inning when San Benito tied the ball game on a North High balk, then took the lead two batters later on an RBI single from Acosta.
The Balers added a run in the third off a wild pitch before tacking on seven more in the fourth inning. The game was called in the fifth when San Benito took a 10-run lead — the winning run scored by Matt Vallejo off a North Salinas fielding error.
The Balers’ (2-0 TCAL, 4-2) game on Saturday at home against Everett Alvarez did not take place after the Eagles were unable to field a full team.
San Benito will be back in action on Tuesday when it will travel to Salinas to take on Alvarez. Darin Gillies is expected to start.
First pitch is 4 p.m.
TEAM
NS — 100 00X X — 1 3 3
SB — 021 71X X — 11 10 2
