Morgan Hill likely has to win remaining two pool-play games to
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MONTEREY — Defeat at the Bronco World Series is as unforgiving as it gets, even if it is your first of the season.
How unforgiving? Previously unbeaten Morgan Hill could find out in the wake of Thursday’s 17-4 loss to Simi Valley. The local All-Stars can still finish in the top two in the Green Division and make next week’s four-team tournament if they win their remaining pool-play games.
They may need help, though. The tie-breaker is a complicated formula weighing runs scored and runs allowed.
Morgan Hill will resume play Saturday against Joliet (Ill.) and Sunday versus undefeated Tai-Yuan Elementary School of Taipei, Taiwan. Both contests are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Jack’s Park in Monterey, 424 Adams St.
Morgan Hill, Joliet and Simi Valley are tied for second place in the five-team division at 1-1.
“It’s a must-win for us,” Morgan Hill coach Mike Zanotto said of Saturday’s game. “It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be fun. It’ll be a competitive, even game.”
Morgan Hill and Joliet both have beaten tournament-host Toro Park of Salinas. Joliet opened with an 8-0 loss to Taipei.
“We’re just excited to get back on the field. It was kind of ugly Thursday,” Zanotto said.
The California Region champions didn’t help their cause. Simi Valley scored 11 runs off 13 free passes, including a dozen walks. Morgan Hill surrendered two hits, according to the team’s scorebook, and even lead 2-1 after the first inning before the walks poured in.
Simi Valley went ahead 7-2 in the second with a three-home run and a series of bases-loaded passes. The West Zone champs led 10-3 after the fourth and clinched the game by 10-run rule in the fifth.
Ben Hughes batted 2 for 3, Cole Campi walked and scored, and Mike Porras and Patrick Muller had hits and tallied runs for Morgan Hill.
Zanotto said his players have not been beaten like that since the opener of a Memorial Day weekend tournament a year ago. They ended up taking first place.
“I’m excited to see how they respond,” Zanotto said.
