Sustaita hits double, triple in 9-3 home victory over Trojans;
League play opens on road against Salinas Wednesday
GILROY – The Mustang diamondmen’s final tune-up before league action begins on Wednesday went exactly to plan, as Gilroy trounced visiting Alisal by a 9-3 spread, allowing all 14 players to see action.
“Everyone played,” head coach Clint Wheeler said. “Last tune-up before league, I wanted to make sure I got everybody in.”
The Mustangs made it easy to do so, scoring seven runs in the first three innings (three in the first, two in the second, three in the third) to jump out to a 7-1 lead.
“We had seven pretty quick,” Wheeler said.
Junior outfielder Marty Sustaita continued to swing a hot bat with a double and triple, while sophomore Drew Anderson followed suit with three runs batted in.
“I’m not surprised. Marty’s got some ability. When he shows up to play, he can definitely play. He’s done a good job of staying focused,” Wheeler said. “(Anderson) is probably batting at a 380 clip. He’s doing a good job in the number two spot. He can bunt, move guys over, and drive guys in when he has the opportunities.”
Junior pitcher Carlos Garcia started on the hill and picked up the win, giving up two runs and three hits, and striking out three through four strong innings of work.
“He’s thrown well the last two times out,” Wheeler said. “That’s good to see, because we definitely need him.”
Relievers Armando Franco, Chris Hernandez, and Anderson all pitched one inning to close out the game for Gilroy, which finished with a 5-2 record in non-league.
“I was a little surprised at first because I just thought we were young experience-wise,” said Wheeler of the strong start. “After seeing the guys play through, I’m not surprised right now.”
The Mustangs will start their Tri-County Athletic League schedule on the road Wednesday against Salinas and then finish the two-game set on Friday at Gilroy High School. Both games will begin at 3:30 p.m.
“They’re good. They’re always good. They pitch well. They are well-coached,” said Wheeler of Salinas, which is 4-2 this season. “We open up right away with one of usual favorites, so it should be a good test.”
POWER UP: Senior designated hitter/third baseman Ben Hemeon hit the Mustangs’ first home run of the season last week.
