Despite a number of graduates and transfers from last year’s D-7 Sac-Joaquin Section runner-up roster, Turlock Christian is proving that they are still contenders for a potential playoff run.
On Wednesday night under the lights of Pedretti Park, they improved to 3-1 after defeating the Hilmar Yellowjackets 4-3, taking advantage of three fielding errors. Coming through for the Eagles at the plate with an RBI apiece were Nathan Marruffo and Winston York. Splitting time on the mound were Blake Starn and Max Salas. Starn was on tab to start, where he struck out seven batters while giving up just two hits and a walk in five innings of work. Salas earned the win in two innings of relief.
“We’re a little light on our upperclassmen, but hey, that means more room to grow, right?,” said TC head coach Bill York last week. “I've been fortunate with some, some pretty good lineups over the years, but I’m actually having to do a little coaching this year, which is great. It's been a challenge, but they're a good group of coachable kids.”
A major learning experience for the Eagles came just two days later on Friday night when they took the short drive to Hilmar for a rematch. It was a game that saw the ‘Jackets lead for all five innings as they won by a 15-4 score.
The Hilmar lineup made things rough for TC starter Josiah Poirier, who was tagged with 11 runs on 11 hits in two innings of work. A bulk of the damage was done in the second frame, the Yellowjackets exploded for eight runs. Three came courtesy of Jacob Sward’s three-run double.
Hilmar finished with 16 hits in the contest. Kickstarting almost each of their rallies was leadoff hitter Kaleb Amaya, who had three hits, including two infield singles. On the basepaths, he stole two bases and helped bring another run in while stuck in a pickle.
“Find a kid that's got more passion than that, and I'd be pretty impressed,” said Hilmar’s first-year head coach Frank Hilliard. “Kaleb has his head down and runs as hard as he can every time. He is one of the most coachable kids I have. Just a great personality, great ballplayer.”
Devin Colston drove in three with a pair of doubles.
On the mound for Hilmar was junior Ricky Gray, who gave up four runs on four hits and five walks. He also struck out seven on the night. It was his second start of the year, as he tossed a two-run, two-hit complete game in the team’s 15-2 win over Gustine on March 6.
“He did an incredible job,” said Hilmar’s first-year head coach Frank Hilliard. “He continued his dominance. He was impressive…He's going to be tough to beat. And he's officially one of our two starters this season, so we're really excited for it.”
Hilliard also expressed excitement over his own opportunity to lead the varsity team for the very first time. A hometown kid who graduated from Hilmar High in 2007, Hilliard was previously the head junior varsity coach while also helping as an assistant under former varsity skipper Jeff Brown.
“It’s an honor to coach here on the varsity field where I grew up,” he said. “I’m excited and hope the guys can keep it rolling.”
The Yellowjackets, who are now 4-3, will kick off Trans-Valley League play next week when they play 0-6 Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday. They will then play at John Thurman Field next Saturday to take on Patterson in the Modesto Nuts’ annual High School Baseball Showcase.
As for the 3-2 Eagles, they also play a winless team in the 0-9 Orestimba Warriors on Monday at 7 p.m. at Pedretti Park.
