Clutch Baserunning Leads Rustlers to Victory

Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West (18-18, 8-9) baseball team scored six runs on eleven hits and capitalized a three fielding errors by Orange Coast (28-8, 13-4) to win 6-5. 

Louie Canjura led off the bottom of the first with a double and then scored on a error by the Coast second baseman misplaying a ball hit by Justin Marquez to take the early 1-0 lead. Then in the bottom of the fourth the Rustler offense got going again thanks to a big RBI double down the left field line from Myles Moran that scored Zakk Morgan. A fielders choice RBI groundball by Jake Hinzo would plate another run to build a 3-0 lead. To cap off the fourth inning Chris Rodriguez would laser a double to right center field to plat Junior Aguliar for a 4-0 lead.  

The Rustlers starting pitcher Troy Bethel was nearly untouchable through the first five innings surrendering two hits while walking three. However, Orange Coast in the top of sixth inning figured out Bethel's pitches as he gave up a big three-run homer and RBI single before being pulled. Adam Moses came in and was able to put out the fire with only one more run crossing the plate as Coast took the lead 5-4.

Golden West would answer right back in the bottom of the sixth with a huge two out RBI single by Jeremiah Vison to tie the game 5-5. Then in the bottom of the eighth Aguilar would lead things off with a single to left field. Hinzo would hit into a fielders choice to trade spots at first base with Aguilar. Hinzo would take advantage of a wild pick off throw and advance to third base, leaving the winning run 90 feet away. Rodriguez would hit a groundball to the second base that was good enough to bring home the eventual winning run as the Rustlers took the lead 6-5. 

Stephen Knapp came in to close the game in the top of the ninth with a little flare of drama. Knapp would walk the lead off hitter on four straight balls and proceed to hit the very next batter with the first pitch. After a mound visit he was able to settle down and record a crucial strikeout for out number one. Then he was able to get a game ending 5-4-3 double play to end the game for his second save of the season.

Next: The Rustlers will travel to Orange Coast Saturday Aprill 22 for a 12pm start.