Gilroy
– Though TCAL competition is getting down to the wire, Gilroy’s
chance to win at least part of the league title is still very much
alive.
Gilroy – Though TCAL competition is getting down to the wire, Gilroy’s chance to win at least part of the league title is still very much alive.
The Mustangs maintained their second–place position with a 12–0 win in five innings at North Salinas Tuesday afternoon.
Gilroy (15–10) and Hollister remain tied for second with 9–4 records, while Live Oak continues to own the top spot with a 10–3 mark.
Against last–place North Salinas (1–12), the Mustangs exploded for nine runs in the first two innings. The offensive highlight was shortstop Drew Andersen’s home run, but the Mustangs also hit the Vikings with a triple from outfielder Josh Sterling and a barrage of doubles.
Jeremy Teschera earned the win on the mound and Andersen, Peter Mickartz and Chris Hernandez each had a pair of RBIs.
“It was very hard to focus,” said head coach Clint Wheeler about building such a large lead early in the game.
The Mustangs will be focused on today’s big matchup with Live Oak at GHS. A win for the home side in the final meeting of the season between the two teams would give Gilroy a share of first place. The ‘Stangs drubbed the Acorns and ace pitcher Kyle Mosbrucker 15–8 at home on April 12, but dropped a 5–0 decision two days later in Morgan Hill.
“We’ve just been loose this last week,” Wheeler said. “We’re not putting as much pressure on ourselves and I think that’s a good thing.”
Another point in Gilroy’s favor is that after this afternoon’s game, the Mustangs have 2–11 Salinas left to play in TCAL while Live Oak must face the 9–4 Haybalers.
“I think (we have an advantage),” Wheeler said. “They have a tougher last game of the year than we do. We’re really focused. I think we’re ready.”
With starting pitcher Noel DeLatorre finished for the season because of academic ineligibility, Mickartz will make his first start of the season against the Acorns.
