Tommy Hernandez wanted to keep the game as close as possible.
The senior right-hander did just that, helping to set up one of the greatest comebacks in San Benito High baseball history.
Hernandez pitched 2 2/3 innings of shutout relief in the Haybalers’ 6-5 win over visiting Salinas on March 19. San Benito trailed 5-1 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning before launching a comeback for the ages.
The Balers entered the last half of the seventh down 5-1, having been limited to just four hits against Cowboys starter Ryan Jensen, who was having his way with the San Benito lineup.
However, Jensen was lifted for reliever Ethan Santos after Jensen had hit Josh Tonascia with a pitch before walking Garret Kelly. In came Santos, and on came the San Benito rally.
The next three batters—Zack Moeller, Junior Rodriguez and Andrew Sotelo—drew walks, with the last two bringing in runs to cut the Balers deficit to 5-3. Caleb Menez followed with a two-run single to make it 5-5, putting the potential game-winning run (Sotelo) at second base.
Drew Williams then hit a routine grounder to the Salinas second baseman, who bobbled the ball three times. After the second bobble, Sotelo took off for home and scored without a throw to complete the comeback.
The Balers, who were outhit 9-5, scored five times in the seventh via four walks, one hit-batsmen, one single and an error. While that isn’t exactly a recipe for success by any stretch of the imagination, the Balers will take it.
Hernandez, Kyle Stevenson and Marcus Rueda combined to pitch 4 1/3 shutout innings of relief, stranding several Salinas baserunners in the process.
“I just tried to limit the runs as much as I could, and luckily that’s what I was able to do,” Hernandez said. “I’ve never been involved in a game like that one. That seventh inning was unbelievable. We just wanted it more at the end.”
Indeed, the Balers took the sterling reputation they’ve built over the years of grinding things out and cemented it with a thrilling victory. A day later, the Balers beat Salinas 4-2, improving to a perfect 6-0 in Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division play.
The Balers play host to Palma at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Babe Ruth Field on Challenger Night, which pays tribute to the Hollister Little League’s Challenger Division team.
It’s another way the Balers have given back to the baseball community in Hollister. Hernandez knows all about the baseball tradition in Hollister. Like most or all of the players on the current team, he played Little League and Babe Ruth before entering high school.
Known for not having the best attitude over the years—“I know I have to be more positive,” he said—Hernandez now pitches with a wry smile on his face, no matter the situation. Hernandez entered the past off-season determined to work on his mental approach.
“My focus was I wanted to improve on my attitude,” he said. “My attitude sometimes have not been the very best, so I had to get a better mindset every time I went to the mound.”
Hernandez throws a variety of pitches, but his fastball, change-up and slider are his bread-and-butter throws. Hernandez didn’t receive a ton of innings last year because the team was loaded with pitching.
But he’s clearly a more effective pitcher this season, having gained a big confidence boost after tossing four innings of one-run relief in a 4-3 loss to Mitty in the Central Coast Section Open Division playoff quarterfinals last year.
Facing one of the most potent offensive lineups in the section, Hernandez delivered the goods, allowing just one run in his final inning of work.
“The Mitty game gave me confidence because I was pretty anxious going out there,” Hernandez said. “After pitching the way I did, it let me know I could compete with the best guys. I’m not at my best yet, but I feel better every time I get on the mound.”
Hernandez can pitch in any role: starter, long relief and closing. A versatile talent, Hernandez credited his dad, John, for always supporting him through the ups and downs of his career.
Hernandez also credited his former travel ball coach, Angel Rueda, for helping him to develop in the mental side of the game.
Equipped with a better attitude and a stronger demeanor, Hernandez has bloomed into one of the team’s top pitchers. His skills were evident against Salinas, a game he and his teammates won’t soon forget.
“Our heads were kind of down, and it seemed like we didn’t know what to do since it was the first time we were down all season,” Hernandez said. “To be able to come back was something special. It’s one of those games you’ll never forget.”
