GILROY – A three-run bottom of the third inning proved to be the
difference as the Gilroy High baseball team snapped a two-game
losing streak with a critical Tri-County Athletic League victory
over Palma, 7-4, on Thursday in Gilroy.
GILROY – A three-run bottom of the third inning proved to be the difference as the Gilroy High baseball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a critical Tri-County Athletic League victory over Palma, 7-4, on Thursday in Gilroy.
Just four league games remain on the schedule, and with Thursday’s triumph, the Mustangs (14-8-1, 10-4 TCAL) not only took the season series from Palma, but took back second place in the standings.
As of Thursday night, Gilroy, Palma and Salinas all have four league losses, but Gilroy owns both season series.
“That was nice,” manager Johnny Ramirez said. “Dang that feels good. Our season is not over by any means, but I’m glad we were able to beat Palma twice.”
Garrett Schwartz touched up GHS starting pitcher Taylor Chris with a leadoff home run as the Chieftains (14-7, 9-4 TCAL) jumped ahead 2-0 in the top of the first inning.
But the Mustangs started a trend in the bottom half of the innings, answering right back with two runs of their own. With the exception of the three-run third, the Mustangs managed to answer each score the Chieftains plated.
Jordan Holler got things going with a double and later scored on a passed ball to make it 2-1. Jordan Dexter scored later in the frame to tie the ball game.
Chris helped his cause on the mound, leading off the third inning with a double and later scored on an Eric Vegas RBI-single. Dexter also came around to score on a throwing error by the right fielder. Brent Newton delivered an RBI base knock, plating Vegas to give GHS a 5-2 advantage.
The Mustangs tacked on a run in the fourth on an RBI-single by Dexter, and another in the fifth.
Chris picked up the win, pitching 4+ innings. Angel Gamboa tossed three scoreless innings in relief.
“Taylor was outstanding today and that was the Angel we have been waiting for all season,” Ramirez said. “That is how we are going to win. We have to play all seven (innings).”
GHS travels to face North Salinas on Tuesday.
