After two victories, the Gilroy Heat stand one game away from
the championship.
Competing in American Legion summer baseball, the Heat compiled
an 18-6 record, which was good enough for second place in the
nine-team West Division and a number two seed in the American
Legion Playoffs.
By Greg Chapman Staff Writer
After two victories, the Gilroy Heat stand one game away from the championship.
Competing in American Legion summer baseball, the Heat compiled an 18-6 record, which was good enough for second place in the nine-team West Division and a number two seed in the American Legion Playoffs.
“They’re a hard working group that loves to play baseball,” coach Clint Wheeler said. “It’s fun, these guys are a great group.”
The playoffs put the top four teams from each division (East and West), in an eight-team format with only the best 18-and-under team in the Bay Area standing at the end.
The Heat are 2-0 in the playoffs so far, but if the first two games are any indicator, winning two more for the championship will be a battle.
Gilroy’s first game against Oakland couldn’t have started off any better, as the team jumped out to an 8-0 lead.
Pitching in the first game of the playoffs, Wheeler thought Oakland’s pitcher was nervous and the Heat were able to capitalize.
Three runs in the first and second innings, with the addition of two in the third gave the Heat a commanding lead.
But, Oakland chipped away, even taking a 9-8 lead in the sixth frame.
After tying the game in the seventh inning, a single with the bases loaded gave the Heat a 10-9 victory.
“We showed good composure,” Wheeler said.
The Heat faced Clayton Valley, the number one seed from the East Division, in a close second round game.
Clayton Valley was first to get on the board, scoring two runs through two innings.
The Heat stormed back to take a four-run lead after Clayton Valley tied the game. Three runs in the sixth gave the Heat a 9-6 victory.
Wednesday night, The Heat faced Berkeley – the number two seed from the East Division – at Bay Land Park in Palo Alto. The game ended after press time. The winner will play in Saturday’s championship game.
