The Gilroy Heat are on the verge of a major accomplishment for
themselves and their city.
By Bob Burch Staff Writer
Gilroy – The Gilroy Heat are on the verge of a major accomplishment for themselves and their city.
On Thursday, the Heat won its second game of the American Legion playoffs with a 10-9 score, to put the team into Saturday’s championship game.
“We’re one big step away from doing something no other team has done in Gilroy,” coach Clint Wheeler said. “We’re excited.”
Thursday’s game mirrored the first two games the Heat played in the playoffs. Early leads, tie games and comebacks have provided a lot of entertainment, with Thursday’s win being no different.
Even though Wheeler said that recent outcomes weren’t characteristic of how the team has played all season, he acknowledged that he wasn’t worried about it. The Heat played like they weren’t concerned either.
The team jumped out to an early lead on Berkeley, scoring six runs in the first inning. But, in the bottom half of the frame, Berkeley scored four runs of their own.
For the next three innings, both teams settled down and got stingy, with the score staying put at 6-4.
The Heat started the scoring parade again in the fifth, putting up three runs to take a 9-4 advantage.
Again the lead didn’t last long, though, with Berkeley responding quickly. In the bottom of the fifth inning, two runs were scored, followed by three in the sixth to tie it up 9-9 going into the seventh stanza.
For the second time in three games the Heat went into the last inning with the game tied after giving up a lead, and got the job done again.
During the seventh inning, the Heat scored the run it needed and effectively shut-down Berkeley to secure their spot in the big game.
“They weren’t worried about it at all,” Wheeler said. “This team has a lot of confidence. They’re definitely mature.”
Saturday’s opponent is yet to be determined, but the game is scheduled for 4 pm and will be at Bay Land Park in Palo Alto. The winner will move onto Yountville, Calif. for the state tournament.
