Spring break is just around the corner for local high schools, but before embarking on a loaded schedule of non-league games, the Pitman High varsity baseball team had to face Golden Valley High in a rain-out rescheduled game.
Junior pitcher Tyler Stout started for the Pitman Pride and went six strong innings, allowing one unearned run, while picking up the win in convincing fashion after the 4-1 final secured the season sweep over GV in the Central California Conference.
“I was feeling good just trying to throw strikes and do what I do every day, pound the zone,” said Stout. “I trust my defense and believe all my teammates did well.”
“It's just a matter of putting all the pieces together, we still have not yet, but we’ve been competing,” said Pitman head coach John Acha. “GV is a very good team, they have good players, young guys who we knew would give us trouble, so we’re thankful to be able to come away with two wins against them.”
With the win, Pitman joins Turlock (3-0) as the only teams that remain undefeated heading into spring break.
The Pride are now 6-5 overall and 4-0 in the CCC and have won four consecutive, including five of the last six games.
“We have had great starts from pitchers all year,” said Acha. “That has kept us knowing we should be in every ball game and it’s just a matter of putting together a couple of timely hits and today a couple of timely hits worked out. It's about being in every game with our pitching and defense, but when bats come around, then we can be a well-rounded team.”
In four league games, Pitman has outscored its opponents 29-6.
Although Monday wasn't a huge offensive outburst for the Pride after three scoreless innings.
Pitman got on the board in the top of the fourth inning after junior Brett Hagen drilled an RBI double to right center field with two outs to score Gerry Ramos.
The Pride held the 1-0 lead until the start of the sixth when a three-run rally sealed the deal.
Cole Carrigg of Pitman started the scoring rally after drilling an RBI single between the third basemen and the shortstop to make it 2-0 with one out.
With bases loaded, Hagen scored on a pass ball and finally Mac Cabero ended the rally with an RBI single that drove in Carrigg to extend the lead to 4-0.
GV added a run in the bottom half of the sixth while the Pride went three up and three down in the top half of the seventh.
“Aggressiveness helped us and we don't like to start off slow, which we did, but we just knew we had to finish strong,” said Stout. “All the hard work, just keep it up, get better and better every day.”
Hagen came in to relieve Stout in the seventh inning and tossed one inning, allowed one hit and struck out one as he picked up the save. Stout allowed just four, one unearned run, walked one and struck out five.
“Tyler is very efficient, good tempo and always wants the ball you can see it in his eyes,” said Acha. “He wants to get on the mound and is always ready to throw the next pitch, he has been very consistent all year.”
Pitman left eight runners on base.
Cabero was 2-for-4 with an RBI. AJ Encalade and Nick Jones were both 1-for-4. Jordan Lavezzo was 1-for-3 with a walk and Hagen was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Cole Carrigg was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
“We have got a few games in a row here trying to make up the rain out and we want to get some guys to play who haven't and get pitchers in to get work so they will be ready after spring break,” said Acha. “So, it’s going to be very beneficial for the entire team.”
Before Pitman resumes league play in two weeks, they will be hosting Tokay at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
