San Benito scores seven runs on two hits in fifth inning to beat
NMC 9-4 in TCAL opener
Hollister – San Benito used an opportunistic offensive attack in its baseball season opener, scoring seven runs on two hits in the fifth inning of a 9-4 home victory Friday over North Monterey County.
The Haybalers took advantage of four walks and two hit by pitches before getting a two-run single from sophomore Kyle Zozaya to break it open in their season-opener.
“Last year we did a good job of getting free bases,” coach Michael Luna said. “It looks like we’re off to that same kind of start this year.”
San Benito (1-0) was limited to just four hits in the game, but only Brian Haggett’s two-out single in the third did not help produce a run.
“We struggled offensively. I just hope that because it’s the first game,” Luna said. “Maybe we can break out today.”
The ‘Balers are back in action at 11am today in a rematch on the road at NMC (0-1). Both games are part of the Pacific Grove Coast Classic Tournament. The first two rounds are played at team’s home fields before the tournament continues Wednesday.
Zach Canez got the start on the mound and pitched three scoreless innings, leaving with a 2-0 lead. San Benito got that lead in the second inning on a Mike Garcia sacrifice fly and a Kevin Gonzales RBI single.
“It was pretty good for the first game of the year,” said Canez, who allowed one hit, walked one and struck out four, including his final two batters. “We always like to get a win.”
The Condors tied the game in the fifth when Cody Meek smashed a two-run double off reliever Nathan Hopkins.
But NMC went to a new pitcher in the bottom of the fifth and the ‘Balers’ patience at the plate proved beneficial.
Nathan Hopkins led off with a walk and a bunt single by Gonzales combined with a throwing error to put runners on second and third. Justin Andrade was hit by a pitch and Haggett, Canez and Bryan Scott all drew RBI walks to make it 5-2.
“We just stuck to our gameplan, we stayed within ourselves and it turned out for the best,” Canez said.
Zozaya then delivered the big blow when he lined a solid single to left field to drive in Haggett and Canez for a 7-2 lead. Scott and Zozaya both eventually scored as well to round out the big inning.
“When they scored, we answered back. That was good to see,” Luna said.
Haggett finished 2-for-3 with a walk, RBI and run scored. Zozaya was 1-for-2 with a walk, 2 RBIs and two runs scored. Hopkins allowed two hits and two runs over his two innings pitched and got the win.
NMC 000 020 2 – 4 6 1
San Benito 020 070 x – 9 4 1
Mendoza, Balding (5), Gattis (5) and Ferguson. Canez, Hopkins (4), Cabral (6) and Zozaya, M. Sanchez (7). WP – Hopkins; LP – Balding.
RBI – Meek (NMC) 3, Mendoza (NMC), Zozaya (SB) 2, Haggett (SB), Canez (SB), Scott (SB), Garcia (SB), Hopkins (SB), Gonzales (SB). 2B – Cotti (NMC), Meek (NMC).
