The offensive fireworks Gilroy High baseball’s offense displayed
against the bottom-feeders of the Tri-County Athletic League
finally ended this past weekend against Salinas, but the Mustangs
were still able to split their two-game season series against the
Cowboys.
GILROY – The offensive fireworks Gilroy High baseball’s offense displayed against the bottom-feeders of the Tri-County Athletic League finally ended this past weekend against Salinas, but the Mustangs were still able to split their two-game season series against the Cowboys.
Winning 5-0 at Salinas on Friday before falling 3-0 to the visiting Cowboys on Saturday, Gilroy remains tied in first place atop the Tri-County Athletic League standings with Palma at 5-1. The Mustangs (7-4 overall) rolled off four straight wins over North Salinas and Alvarez to start league play, beating those two schools by a combined total of 58-7.
GHS junior pitcher Taylor Chris earned the win over Salinas by striking out 11 batters, giving up just one walk and allowing no runs in six innings of work. Freshman Rafael Garcia came on in relief to close out the game in the seventh, but not before he had hit two home runs. Sophomore Eric Vegas added a home run as well.
Eight different Mustangs got on base in the victory, as Gilroy had an 11-2 advantage in hits.
Gilroy coach Clint Wheeler was effusive in his praise of both Chris and Garcia.
“[Chris] threw four different pitches for a strike any time he wanted,” Wheeler said, noting that he only allowed two balls to leave the infield.
As for Garcia, Wheeler said the newcomer might not be the most imposing physical specimen, but the freshman is drastically ahead of the curve when it comes to talent level.
“As a freshman, he’s just way more advanced than almost any other player we’ve had in our program,” Wheeler said. “And the best thing about this kid is he loves to play the game.
“That kid can be as good as he wants. … He could definitely walk out of here as a four- or five-tool player.”
Returning to Gilroy on Saturday to play the back end of the home-and-home series against Salinas, the Mustangs fell flat at the plate. Despite being outhit 7-3, the Mustangs did get another strong effort on the mound, this time from Michael Hartman, who allowed three runs in 5.1 innings while striking out six.
“After looking at [Salinas’] pitching staff, I think it’s a pretty good result,” Wheeler said of the split.
“I think if you win two out of three with the top teams in league … that’s gonna put you right there (near first).”
The Mustangs will have an extended break this week before returning to the diamond Saturday at 11 a.m. to host Palma.
