GILROY — The Mustangs didn’t just snap their four-game losing streak, they shattered it.
Gilroy won by its biggest margin of the year, an 11-0 decision in five innings over Live Oak Thursday at home.
The Mustangs were led by a strong pitching performance from Justin Hale, who allowed only three hits over five innings of work. Hale also walked four and struck out two.
The Mustangs wasted no time, posting four runs in the first inning. Gilroy loaded the bases for Jimmy Lemberger who flied to right to score Josiah Wiley. Alex Vega hit a sacrifice to score Bubba Lara and Dallas Wilson, but also reached first off an Acorn error. Lemberger was able to score on a passed ball to put Gilroy ahead 4-0.
Gilroy struck again in the bottom of the third when Hale reached on an error, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored after tagging up. Vega also reached on an error and a Sam Aptekar double pushed him to third where he would score on a throw to home to put the Mustangs up 6-0.
But Gilroy wasn’t done yet.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, Lemberger singled to score Lara and keep the bags full. Vega hit a single to left field to score Wilson, and Travis Moulden followed with a sacrifice fly to push Hale home and put Gilroy ahead 9-0. Three plays later, Aptekar hit a double to score Lemberger and Vega for the final.
Lemberger had three RBIs off two hits in the game, while Aptekar had two off two doubles and a walk. Moulden and Vega both added an RBI.
Live Oak was only able to muster up four hits in the game off the bats of Mitch Hickey, Josh Alaniz, Kyle Quadros and Kyle Riveron.
Quadros hit a leadoff double in the top of the second and advanced to third, but was called out at third to eliminate a Live Oak scoring chance. Michael Porras found himself on third after being walked in the top of the third, giving the Acorns their best shot — and last — scoring opportunity of the day.
Live Oak rebounded with a 10-3 win over Sobrato Saturday and will play at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Piedmont Hills. Gilroy will host Salinas at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
