Live Oak rebounds from error-filled loss to Palma with a
come-from-behind win over Gilroy
Morgan Hill – When archrivals Gilroy Mustangs and Live Oak Acorns baseball teams face off in Tri-County Athletic League action, it’s bound to be a tough, hard-fought battle, even this early in the season.
Wednesday afternoon was no exception as the Acorns (3-3, 1-1 TCAL) topped the Mustangs (2-4, 0-1 TCAL) with a come-from-behind 4-2 victory.
Following an error-filled Tri-County Athletic League loss against the Palma Chieftains on Monday, 8-3, the Acorns really felt they needed to defeat the Mustangs.
“This was a good win for us,” said Live Oak coach Mark Cummins. “Especially coming back from 2-0. Hopefully we can build on this.”
In the bitter cold at Live Oak field, behind starting pitcher Tyler Osborne, the Mustangs opened up a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning on a one out homerun to left-center by Gilroy junior Matt Hemeon.
Gilroy extended the lead to 2-0 in the top of the fourth on Josh Sterling’s infield single that drove in Osborne from third base.
On the mound Osborne kept the Acorn batters off-balance, except for designated hitter James Johnson who roped a double to centerfield in the bottom of the third, and seemed to cruise through four innings.
“James made thing happen there,” said Cummins. “It was a big hit for us.”
In the top of the fifth inning Live Oak’s starter, Kyle Ferguson gave way to reliever John Stemel who sent the Mustangs down in order. In the bottom of the inning the Acorns erased Gilroy’s cushion and tied the score at 2-2.
Jeremy Teschera relieved Osborne in the bottom of the fifth and Live Oak’s bats came to life. Chris Barber got things going for Live Oak with a single to rightfield, followed by a single to left field from Eddie Gomez. Ferguson advanced the runners with a bunt up the first baseline and Johnson cleared the bases with another double to centerfield to tie the score.
Teschera responded by striking out the next two batters to retire the side. The damage was done, however, and the Acorns capitalized on the momentum they created.
Jacob Dexter took over pitching duties in the bottom of the sixth inning and plunked Acorn sophomore Matt Cummins in the back to start off the inning. Mike Sorci followed with a bunt single for Live Oak. After Mustang catcher Chris Hernandez had a brief meeting with Dexter and the infielders on the mound, Acorn Kyle Mosbrucker slapped a single over the head of Gilroy’s shortstop into centerfield to load the bases.
Barber gave Live Oak the lead with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Cummins from third base, 3-2.
Scori extended the lead to 4-2 on the next pitch when Hernandez hit him with a pick off throw to third that bounced off his helmet and rolled into the outfield.
Stemel preserved the Acorn lead and shut the door on the Mustangs in the top of the seventh inning sending the Gilroy batters down in order with a strikeout and two pop ups.
In their loss to the Chieftains on Monday, Live Oak committed five errors. On Wednesday, the Acorn defense played solidly against Gilroy, not allowing them any unearned chances or opportunities.
Following their loss to Palma, the Acorns spent Tuesday’s practice in the rain running around the Live Oak track.
“I’m superstitious,” laughed Cummins. “We might have to run around the track every practice.”
“It’s early in the season,” added Cummins. “Our hitters will break out of their slumps.”
The Acorns return home on Tuesday when they take on the North Salinas Vikings in a TCAL matchup at 3:30pm.
