San Francisco State bound Kayleb Becerra had a walk-off two-run hit that ended Tuesday’s first round Division-I Sac-Joaquin Section matchup from Turlock High as the Bulldogs topped Lincoln of Stockton in a 3-2 final.
“So, we get to play the No. 1 team on the road, but that is okay, we can beat anybody, but anybody can beat us but it’s our time to beat anybody,” said Turlock head coach Mark de la Motte. “Now after today there are eight teams left in the section, which is different from previous years.”
Turlock’s record is now 21-5 after the victory.
However, Tuesday’s game didn’t start off well for the Bulldogs.
Lincoln got on the board first with the two and only runs they scored in the game in the top of the third inning.
“They are a real tough team,” said de la Motte.
Turlock was limited and put up their first run of the game in the bottom of the fifth when Case Pacheco hit an RBI double to make it 2-1.
Unfortunately, that was the only run of the game and the ‘Dogs were held scoreless until the bottom of the seventh with two outs.
Cole Carrigg and Mason King reached base safely and then with two outs Becerra stepped up to the plate.
Becerra leveled a 3-1 hit past the shortstop and into left center, scoring Carrigg and King for the game winner.
“There was a dog pile after that,” said de la Motte.
Dallin Tilby started and tossed a complete game for Turlock.
Tilby pitched seven innings, allowed two earned runs on five hits, walked three and struck out seven.
“Tilby went all seven innings and pitched the best game of his career,” said de la Motte. “One bad pitch gave up a triple but that is it, he pitched very well. He threw off speed for strikes and competed.”
Becerra was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Carrigg was 1-for-2 with a run scored. King was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Pacheco was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
No. 8 Turlock will next travel on the road to take on No. 1 Franklin (EG) at 4 p.m. Thursday.
Alex Garcia of Turlock is slated to start on the mound for Turlock.
