Yellowjackets stake claim on first place in 4-0 defeat of Spartans

Raymond Ramirez pitches a complete game shutout and gets help at the plate during the second and third innings

J. Dollins

Raymond Ramirez struck out six in a complete game shutout against the San Gorgonio Spartans.

Colton, CA—After splitting games with Grand Terrace last week, the Yellowjackets baseball club entered today’s game against league opponent San Gorgonio tied at the top of standings with 4-3 records. The last time these two saw one another at San Gorgonio High, the Spartans eked out a 9-8 victory in extra innings.

The Yellowjackets did not need extra innings today. They took a commanding 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back, tacking on an extra run in the third to win 4-0 and take over first place in the San Andreas League.

Colton was led on the mound by Raymond Ramirez, who pitched a complete game shutout. He finished with an impressive line, allowing only five hits and one walk while striking out six. Behind him, in the field, he got some excellent defense from Reynaldo Muro, Jr., who started at second base, and Donovan Mendoza in right field. The two of them connected on a momentum changing double play to end the top of the 2nd inning.

After the defensive stop, the Yellowjacket offense showed up swinging in the second inning. Adan Sanchez got things started with a leadoff double to deep right field. Then Juan Valdivia continued his hot hitting with a single to left. Anthony Corral hit into a fielder’s choice, which scored Sanchez. A walk to Muro and a sacrifice pop out to first by Gilbert Alvarez set the stage for Ramirez, who came to the plate and lined a two-RBI single to center field, putting Colton up 3-0.

In the 3rd inning, Corral hit an RBI double to right field, which knocked in Sanchez for his second score of the game. From that point, Ramirez and the defense finished the job. The Spartans never posed a threat.

The victory improves the Yellowjackets record to 10-7 on the season, and 5-3 in San Andreas League play. They travel back to San Gorgonio High on Thursday for a rematch against the Spartans that will officially determine which team will take the San Andreas League crown this season.