Christopher breezes to .500 in league with win over Pajaro
Valley
GILROY — Christopher High’s varsity baseball team cruised to a 32-0 blanking of visiting Pajaro Valley Monday afternoon to reach 2-2 in MBL play.
Coach Ryan Dequin’s charges rushed to an 18-0 lead over the young and inexperienced Grizzlies. Dequin was able to pull four starters out of the lineup by the second inning after going though the lineup three times before three outs were recorded.
The Cougars visit Pajaro Valley Wednesday at 4 p.m. for a rematch on the Watsonville High School field. The Grizzlies do not have their own school facilities and must use the Watsonville High field this season.
Junior right-hander Nick Cordova pitched the first four innings to pick up the win for Christopher.
“Nick threw strikes,” Dequin complimented of the squad’s number two starter.
“He’s been working hard, building up his arm strength.”
Cordova was economical with his pitches, needing 48 pitches to record 12 outs. Cordova struck out nine Grizzlies while allowing two hits and walking none.
Freshman Trevor Large was called on to pitch the fifth and final inning for the hosts. The left-hander struck out the side on 10 pitches.
Christopher collected 13 hits in the first frame on the way to an 18-0 lead.
Brandon Irby, one of the starters pulled after one inning, stung two doubles and a single on the way to four RBIs. Patrick Valdez and Brandon Pickens each scored three runs in the first inning.
Nadar Elaskary went 3 for 6 for the Cougars, finishing the day with three consecutive singles.
“He’s been hitting the ball well,” Dequin said.
Scott Willard doubled and singled in the second inning as Christopher High added seven runs. After a scoreless third, Elaskary’s two singles and a sharply hit two-run double by Large highlighted a seven-run fourth inning.
Willard paced the Cougars by scoring four runs.
