Baseball gets first victory of season, tames San Jacinto Tigers 10-4
Anthony Aguayo’s three doubles drive in 5 runs and Julian Rocha strikes out 6 in the San Gorgonio Tournament win
Anthony Aguayo hits a double in the first inning against the San Jacinto Tigers. He scored 2 runs and drove in 5 more in the Yellowjackets 10-4 victory.
Colton, CA—After Wednesday’s 10-1 loss to Colony High in the first game of the San Gorgonio tournament, the CHS baseball team redeemed themselves yesterday by beating the San Jacinto Tigers 10-4.
Designated hitter Anthony Aguayo led the Yellowjackets on offense, scoring 2 runs and knocking in 5 RBIs with three doubles. On the mound, Julian Rocha (1-0), got the win in his first start of the season, striking out 6 against 4 walks in 5 ⅓ innings.
“It was a good feeling,” said Rocha. “But I feel like there’s still more work to do.”
Manager Scott Mendoza was not surprised by Rocha’s performance. “He came out and gave an outing like Julian usually does. He’s a competitor.”
The Yellowjackets got off to a great start. Shortstop Raymond Ramirez got a hit and a stolen base. Right fielder Donovan Mendoza laid down the sacrifice bunt, but a San Jacinto error had him safe at first base. This set the table for Aguayo, who cleared the bases with his first double. Damian Valdez hit an RBI single, scoring Aguayo, and the Yellowjackets ended the inning up 3-0.
Another RBI double in the 2nd inning by Aguayo and an RBI single from Juan Valdivia that brought home Aguayo put the Yellowjackets up 5-0.
“My approach at bat is just to hit the ball hard,” Aguayo said.
The defense held San Jacinto scoreless in the first two innings, but San Jacinto fought back, scoring 3 in the third and 1 in the fourth. Errors by Colton’s defense gave the Tigers some hope, but it wasn’t to last.
Rocha remained steady, and then in the fifth, the Yellowjackets broke the game open, scoring 5 runs. Hits by Reynaldo Muro and Azael Hernandez set up a 2-run double by Raymond Ramirez. Then Aguayo hit his third double, a 2-run shot that capped off an inning in which the Yellowjackets did all their damage after recording two outs.
Mendoza was glad his team got the win. “We bounced back yesterday from a tough loss. I like the way they bounced back today. A lot of better hitting, more pep in their game.”
The Yellowjackets await the results from other games being played in the San Gorgonio tournament in order to learn their next opponent. Next game will be on February 22.
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Alexander Sanchez is a sophomore. This is his 2nd year as a staff writer for the Pepper Bough. You can tell he's a hard worker because of the bags under...