Pinto squad rides strong defense to opening victory in host
sectional
MORGAN HILL — Though Morgan Hill manager Matt Elam cannot teach instincts, his C All-Stars have had a knack for being in the right place at the right time so far in their host Pinto Sectional.
That was the difference Saturday at Britton Middle School where the C team scraped by Paso Robles, 6-4, despite totaling one hit, a single by Bradley Miller. The local group survived with sound defense — and plenty of walks.
Elam and his staff have a unique method for keeping their young players tuned in.
“Our mentality is, we’re practicing like we’re playing,” he said. “We’ve worked a lot in practice and in game situations. Me and the other coaches stop plays, go out and ask each player what they’re supposed to do and let them answer. A lot of the time, they’re right on.
“I was really blow away by the plays I saw from them Saturday.”
The C team received sound pitching from Matt Cicisly and Travis Turnipseed, who struck out four and allowed one run in two hits.
After today’s showdown with Morgan Hill A (results were late by press time), the C All-Stars were three wins away from advancing to the Pinto World Series held in mid-July.
They will likely need a few more hits to get there.
“Patience is important. We were able to draw some walks,” Elam said. “We didn’t rip the cover off the ball, but there were a handful of plays Paso Robles just couldn’t make. If we can keep doing that, we’ll take it.”
