Yellowjackets pour on the runs, trounce Silverado 14-0
Entire offense shines as starter Juan Valdivia pitches five shutout innings in the second round San Gorgonio Tournament matchup
Donovan Mendoza hit the first home run of his high school career against Silverado as the Yellowjackets shutout the Hawks, 14-0.
Colton, CA—Due to Silverado High School only having one baseball field for both its JV and varsity squads, Colton found themselves playing at home as the road team in yesterday’s second round match in the San Gorgonio baseball tournament.
Even with scattered showers nearly delaying the game, the Yellowjackets took full advantage of this gift and dominated the Hawks, 14-0.
Starting pitcher Juan Valdivia showed off his array of pitches, and threw five shutout innings. On the offensive side, he helped his own cause by hitting two doubles and driving in a run during the team’s five run third inning.
“I just wanted to throw strikes,” said Valdivia. “Not expecting too much, just letting them make my defense work.”
Not that his team needed the help. Collectively, the Yellowjackets racked up 16 hits, including 6 doubles and a home run. Lead off hitter, Raymond Ramirez continued his hot performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs. And Donovan Mendoza went 2-for-4, including the home run that led off the top of the fifth inning.
For Mendoza, a senior, this was the first home run of his high school career. “It felt great,” he said, recalling the 2-2 curve ball. “Ball was right there, caught a barrel, went deep.”
On the defensive side, Colton shut down Silverado, giving up only 7 hits, and no extra base hits. Valdivia had four strikeouts against one walk during his five innings. And in relief, Reynaldo Muro, Jr. came in and finished the Hawks off, giving up only a single hit that came when third baseman Ricardo Ramirez couldn’t make the throw to first after stopping the ball from slicing up the third base line.
“When we have the bats rolling, we’re a tough team to beat,” said manager Scott Mendoza.
This victory improves the Yellowjackets overall record to 2-1, and moves them into the championship semifinals of the San Gorgonio Tournament. They will play their next opponent on Thursday, still to be determined.
UPDATE: Colton will face the Moreno Valley Vikings on February 24 at 3:00 PM in Moreno Valley. The winner will face the winner of Thursday’s game between Barstow High and Serrano High on Saturday, February 26 at San Gorgonio High, game time at 1 p.m.
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