Calling two victories in a row a winning streak is a bit of a
stretch. But when that streak is upped to three, and includes two
wins in a row over the same team, the run gains some
legitimacy.
Calling two victories in a row a winning streak is a bit of a stretch. But when that streak is upped to three, and includes two wins in a row over the same team, the run gains some legitimacy.
Gilroy High’s varsity baseball team (3-4) did just that Thursday, beating the North Salinas Vikings for the second time in three days. After taking to the road and pillaging the Vikings 12-4 Tuesday, the Mustangs rode home and defended their own turf 8-1.
The victories left Gilroy coach Clint Wheeler satisfied that his team was starting to pick up some steam after dropping its first four games of the season.
“[It wasn’t] quite the effort compared to the other day at the plate, but we had great pitching and solid defense,” he said.
Sophomore Max Fishler got the start and the win while fellow sophomore Michael Hartman came on and pitched three excellent innings of relief.
“They were both real impressive,” Wheeler said, noting that Hartman threw only four pitches for balls in his time on the mound Thursday.
Senior center fielder Danny Contreras continued his strong play to start the season, getting two hits and scoring two runs.
“He does a good job of [getting on base], it sets the table for us,” Wheeler said.
Roberto Celestino, Charlie Duffy, Derek Engen and Chris all had a hit of their own Thursday. The Vikings pitchers struggled with command all afternoon, hitting batters or putting them on base through walks.
During Tuesday’s contest Chris and Celestino both had three hits, with Celestino recording two doubles. Gilroy’s Jordan Holler and Charlie Duffy both had two hits for the Mustangs, with each getting a triple. James Lafuente got the win after pitching five innings and allowing four runs while Chris Salter came on in relief to close out the final two frames.
Gilroy, now 2-0 in the Tri-County Athletic League, will play Saturday at 11 a.m. at Alvarez.
