San Benito plates three runs in top of seventh to defeat Acorns,
5-3
Morgan Hill – This March has brought a record number of rainy days to the South Valley, reeking havoc on the Tri-County Athletic League baseball schedules, but the dark, ominous storm clouds held out just long enough for the Live Oak Acorns and the San Benito Haybalers to complete a full seven-inning game on Thursday afternoon in Morgan Hill. Over the seven innings the ‘Balers (10-2, 7-1 TCAL) and Acorns (5-6, 3-4 TCAL) traded the lead three times with San Benito coming from behind in the top of the seventh to defeat Live Oak, 5-3.
“They’re definitely tough mentally, but everyone’s dealing with them,” said Acorn center fielder Kyle Mosbrucker of the many rainouts this season. “I don’t remember a March when it has rained this much.”
The Acorns trailed 2-0 to the Haybalers until the bottom of the fifth inning when their bats came to life.
Live Oak catcher Eddie Gomez singled to lead off the inning. With one out Ferguson advanced Gomez with a single into right field and Brenden Flaherty got Live Oak on the board with an RBI double to up the third baseline. Mosbrucker tied the game in the next at-bat with a single to left field, 2-2, chasing San Benito’s starter and ace, Breyon Canez, from the game. Sophomore Zach Canez came on in relief of his brother for the ‘Balers.
Mosbrucker stole second and Nick Bonfiglio drew a walk to load the bases, setting the table for Mike Sorci who drove Mosbrucker in on a fielder’s choice ground ball to third base, 3-2, before Canez was able to get San Benito out of the inning with a strikeout.
With the narrow one-run lead the Acorns turned to reliever John Stemel in the sixth inning. Ferguson got the start for Live Oak, pitching five innings with three strikeouts and allowed three hits and three runs in the no decision.
Stemel quickly retired the ‘Balers side in the sixth, but ran into some trouble in the seventh.
San Benito batter rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh to take the 5-3 lead over the Acorns.
“I thought this was an outstanding effort on our part,” said San Benito coach Mike Luna. “Our No. 1 (Breyon) didn’t have his good stuff. I hate to take him out, and he didn’t want to come out, but I have a lot of confidence in his brother (Zach) who is a sophomore. Zach handled it very well. I was pleased with how we came back after being down. Travis Ross had a clutch hit in the seventh.”
With their last chance in the bottom of the seventh Live Oak attempted to mount another rally. With one out, the ‘Balers Z. Canez gave up a single to Mosbrucker and a free pass to Bonfiglio, his third of the game, to bring the winning run to the plate.
Another comeback wasn’t in the cards for the Acorns, however, as Z. Canez struck out the next to batters to end the game.
“It was a little frustrating how they started that last inning,” said Live Oak coach Mark Cummins. “It was a good ballgame. I like the way we battled back. Hollister is a good team, we just came up short.”
Live Oak takes on the Mustangs today in Gilroy at 1pm, weather permitting.
“We’re hoping to rebound and play well,” said Cummins. “We’ve dug ourselves quite a hole. We’re going to stay positive and work hard.”
Mosbrucker added, “We’ve got to hit the ball better. We’ve been struggling with the bats all season.”
