Mission Bay’s baseball team wrapped up a sweep of Western League games against Point Loma High with a pair of decisive wins. The Bucs’ bats were connecting during their 10-1 decision April 30 and a 17-3 thrashing on Friday, May 2.
“A couple three-run homers and a seven-run first inning pretty much put everyone at ease. It was a pretty fun game,” said head coach Greg Farrar after the 17-3 drubbing of the Pointers.
Some of the fans noticed the football-like score of Friday’s game and expressed some satisfaction for the baseball team’s response to the big loss the football team took at Point Loma last fall.
“We really got a lot of timely, clutch hitting,” Farrar continued. “They’re getting confidence at the plate ” it’s like they know they can handle any pitch.”
The Bucs batted around during the seven-run first inning that included a home run by Nick Croce with two on. Point Loma answered with two runs in the third. But the Bucs lit up the scoreboard for six more runs in the fourth.
Jesse Moore led off with a single and stole second. Brian Sagun sacrificed him over to third, then a sacrifice fly by Rob Santos allowed Moore to score.
The two-out spree continued with singles by Evan Taylor and Croce. Then Mario Arellano scattered some people in the left field bleachers with his blast over the fence. Robert Phiakeo stepped up and was hit by a pitch, followed by a double from Eric Espinosa. Finally, pitcher Francisco Valdez singled to drive them in.
The Bucs added four more runs in the sixth. Segun drew a walk and Santos singled, followed by a walk for Chandler Lieto to load the bases. Croce doubled in two runs, then Arellano doubled in two more.
In addition to hitting midseason form, the Bucs were “up” for the Point Loma match because the Pointers had beaten the highly ranked Dons from Cathedral.
“How did these guys ever beat Cathedral?” Santos asked.
Valdez earned the win May 2. Moore pitched a one-hit complete game during the March 30, 10-1 visit to Point Loma.
“It’s great that it worked out. The best (Western League) teams are meeting at the end (of the regular season).” Farrar added. “We’re playing real well at the right time ” pitching, hitting and defense.”
Mission Bay has won five in a row for a record of 18-8 while they lead the Western League at 7-1. Coronado is 20-7 (7-3) while Cathedral is 21-5 (6-2).
The Bucs next travel to Coronado Friday, May 9, at 3 p.m. Then Mission Bay will host Cathedral May 12 with the final game at Cathedral.
Mission Bay baseball information is available from Farrar at (858) 273-1313 ext. 353 or at www.missionbayhigh.com.