Colton, CA—After last Friday’s inspiring game at Duarte High School, Colton Baseball found themselves in a semi-finals matchup against the Fillmore Flashes on May 27. This time there was no magic, with Colton’s season coming to an end with a 5-0 loss.
During most of the game, both teams struggled to get a feel for the ball as the pitchers dealt and dueled.
“We pitched so well today. Jesse threw the ball so well,” said interim manager Mike Reh.
For Colton, Jesse Ruiz was dominant, giving up only one run through six and two-thirds innings. But that run, scored in the fifth inning proved to be costly. Fillmore played small ball, getting a runner on base early and then bunting in sacrifice. The run came on a bunt by Fillmore starting pitcher Ricardo Avila, but the toss to home was errant and catcher Damian Sanchez missed the tag. Colton got out of the inning with a double play, but the damage was done.
After a scoreless sixth inning, Ruiz found himself in trouble when a passed ball on a called third strike resulted in an error on the throw to first base. However, the call came with controversy as Colton claimed the Fillmore batter kicked the ball after it dropped to the ground. Umpires conversed, but upheld the call.
Ruiz recorded another out, but then gave up another hit, putting two men on with two outs. That’s when the coaching staff decided to bring in Steven Aguayo in relief. Aguayo did not fare well, giving up four runs. Reliever Sam Ruiz came into the game to record the last out.
In the bottom of the seventh, it looked like Colton might mount a comeback. After two quick outs, Chris Trevino walked to get on base, then Jesse Ruiz broke through with Colton’s first hit of the game on an infield single. The rally was ended on the next at bat as Andy Hernandez flew out to center field.
“Offensively, we really struggled,” said Reh. “We needed to come up with the big hit, and we didn’t.”
Meanwhile, Ricardo Avila, Fillmore’s starting pitcher, threw a gem, pitching a complete game, one-hit shutout. Fillmore moves on to play Pioneer High School, who defeated Valencia High 3-1. The two will play for the Southern Section Division 8 championship on May 31 at Blair Field in Long Beach.
Now the season is over for Colton and they move on to prepare for next season.
