Two solo home runs by Tyler Pina and Richard Beltran pushed
Hollister American past Hartnell on Tuesday 11-0 in four innings in
Salinas.
Staff Reports
Salinas – Two solo home runs by Tyler Pina and Richard Beltran pushed Hollister American past Hartnell on Tuesday 11-0 in four innings in Salinas.
The 11-12-year-old Little League All-Star team needed the win to stay alive in the District 9 All-Star Tournament, and they did just that by eliminating Hartnell via the 10-run rule.
In fact, Hollister American scored in every inning, including four runs in the first, three in the second, and two runs each in the third and fourth innings to ensure it was an abbreviated ballgame.
“It was a team effort,” Manager Joe Tonascia said. “We went out every inning and beat them every inning. The kids played very well tonight.”
The four runs in the first inning were highlighted by an RBI single by Dylan Hoskins. In the second, Pina hit the first of two solo homers Hollister American would hit on the day, while Austin Blake connected for a two-RBI single in the third inning.
In the fourth, Beltran supplied the second solo shot of the game, while Daniel Gonzales capped the evening with an RBI single, scoring Craig Slibsager.
Hollister American had eight hits total against Hartnell.
“The big thing was that we only had three strikeouts,” Tonascia said. “We either walked or put the ball in play 25 times. That’s big.”
On the mound, Pina threw three innings, scattered two hits, and struck out three batters. In relief, Jacob Tonascia pitched one inning and had a pair of strikeouts.
Hollister American will play again today against North County in Salinas.
