Valley Christian’s 6-run second leads to 8-3 win in Crown
Classic Tournament
San Jose
Unfortunately for San Benito, Valley Christian starter Anthony Kupbens only got stronger as the game progressed.
San Benito plated all three of their runs in the first inning, but were unable to stave off the Warriors Saturday in the championship game of the Valley Christian Crown Classic Tournament, as the host team defeated the ‘Balers 8-3.
“Kupbens settled down,” manager Michael Luna said. “I knew that he was going to get better as the game went on.”
San Benito took advantage of Kupbens in the first when Zach Canez walked and Brian Haggett doubled to the 345-foot sign in center field, making it second and third with no one out.
After Kyle Zozaya walked to load the bases, Spencer Brann connected for a two-run double. A throwing error at third base allowed Zozaya to score, making it 3-0, but Brann was picked off second base later in the inning.
From there, Kupbens allowed one hit for the remainder of the game.
“We had the momentum,” Luna said.
Valley Christian responded with a six-run second inning, however. After started Canez walked the first two batters, a sacrifice bunt resulted in a throwing error, scoring one run. Later, a double-play ball also ended with a throwing error, scoring another run.
Said Luna, “After that, it kind of snowballed.”
Leadoff hitter Mike Reiling hit a two-run homer in the second, providing Valley Christian with an edge for the remainder of the contest.
Errors were a problem in the second inning and perhaps extended the inning longer than it should have been.
“The pitcher gets behind, walks two hitters, then he makes the correct pitch and we can’t make the play behind him,” Luna said. “Maybe it’s a two-spot instead of a six-spot.”
Brann went 2-for-3 with a double, while Haggett was 1-for-3 with a double. Canez pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowed three earned runs on three hits.
“I didn’t want to overextend any of my pitchers with two huge league games next week,” Luna said. The ‘Balers will return to league play Tuesday with a home and home against Salinas.
Relievers Steve Cabral (2.1 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit), Miles Sanchez (1 IP, 2 runs, 4 hits) and Bret Furtado (1 IP, 0 runs, 1 hit) finished the game for San Benito.
The ‘Balers (11-4 overall, 4-0 TCAL) will host Salinas Tuesday at 4 p.m.
SB 300 000 0 – 3 3 2
VC 060 020 X – 8 10 1
