‘Balers use three-run seventh to notch comeback win over Acorns;
5-3 victory team’s second this season over Live Oak
This March has brought a record number of rainy days to the South Valley, reeking havoc on the Tri-County Athletic League baseball schedules, but the dark, ominous storm clouds held out just long enough for the San Benito Haybalers and Live Oak Acorns to complete a full seven-inning game on Thursday afternoon in Morgan Hill. Over the course of the game, the ‘Balers and Acorns traded the lead three times – with San Benito coming from behind in the top of the seventh to defeat Live Oak, 5-3.
Trailing 3-2 and facing their final at bat against Live Oak reliever John Stemel, who had come into the game in the sixth inning and quickly retired the side, San Benito’s Breyon Canez dropped a bunt in front of the plate that none of the Acorn infielders could reach in time to reach base on a single. Karson Klauer drew a walk and then Sky Valenzuela advanced the runners with a bunt back to the pitcher. Travis Ross delivered the big blow with a two-run triple to give the ‘Balers a 4-3 lead. Zach Canez added an insurance run by driving in Ross with a fielder’s choice groundout to second base.
“I knew I had to get it,” Ross said of his triple. “We had pretty good pitching today. Zach came in and shut them down. He kept his composure.”
Zach relieved older brother Breyon with one out in the fifth inning after Live Oak (5-6, 3-4 TCAL) took over the lead and tripped up the Acorns, striking out four and allowing one hit for his first win of the season.
“I knew I had to shut them down to have a chance to come back,” said Zach. “I knew I had my defense.”
Breyon started the game for San Benito (10-2, 7-1 TCAL) and frustrated the Live Oak batters until the bottom of the fifth inning, when the Acorns were able to rally and push three runs across the plate to take a 3-2 lead. Brenden Flaherty, Kyle Mosbrucker and Mike Sorci each drove in a run for the Acorns.
“I thought this was an outstanding effort on our part,” said San Benito coach Mike Luna. “Our No. 1 didn’t have his good stuff. I hate to take him out, and he didn’t want to come out, but I have a lot of confidence in his brother, who is a sophomore. Zach handled it very well. I was pleased with how we came back after being down. Travis Ross had a clutch hit in the seventh.”
“[Live Oak’s Ferguson] did a good job,” added Luna. “His breaking ball was getting over for strikes. Their reliever John Stemel also did a good job.”
Kyle Ferguson got the start for Live Oak and went five innings, striking out four and allowing two runs. Reliever John Stemel took the loss, his first of the season – pitching two innings with three strikeouts and three earned runs.
“It was a good ballgame, I like the way we battled back in the bottom of the fifth,” said Live Oak coach Mark Cummins. “It’s a little frustrating how they started that last inning. Hollister is a good team – we just came up short.”
Weather permitting, San Benito takes on Sobrato at home on Monday at 4pm.
