The Live Oak alumni team brushed off an eighth-inning comeback
attempt by the varsity squad to win the annual alumni game 11-9. It
was the second year in a row that the alumni has won.
The Live Oak alumni team brushed off an eighth-inning comeback attempt by the varsity squad to win the annual alumni game 11-9. It was the second year in a row that the alumni has won.
A large crowd was present Saturday to watch the game. The event raised between $200 and $500 for the varsity team, according to alumni coach Jim Crossen.
The traditional aromas of fresh burritos floated through the alumni dugout during the game. Each year Manny Souza “Gramps” brings burritos for the alumni to chow down during the game, but none are provided for the varsity – giving a potential advantage to the alumni.
Ryan Muller started the game for the varsity squad, but coach Mark Cummins wanted to keep everyone fresh and rotated different players in each inning.
“I am really impressed with the pitching depth of Live Oak this year,” Crossen said. “If is was not for the wildness, we wouldn’t have won the game.”
The Live Oak varsity team gave up a couple bases-loaded walks. But the Acorns bounced back from a 10-2 deficit. Crossen used four catchers and six pitchers. Each of the 23 alumni players had at least two at bats, Crossen said.
“We had 23 returning alumni and we needed them all,” Crossen said. “We were hanging on by our fingernails at the end. You just have to play these one at a time. We are by no means assured of success in the future.”
Current varsity assistant coach Michael Alciati and Adam Montarbo, who was resently released by the San Diego Padres minor league system, each pitched two shutout innings.
Joel Sanders followed with two innings of solid work. Twins Mark and lefty Eric Thaw, 1997 Live Oak graduates, each pitched an inning. Older brother Bill Thaw caught for both of them. Bill Manasian also did a good job behind the plate for the Acorns.
Billy Souza closed out the game in the ninth inning without allowing a run thanks to a strong defense behind him.
Wayne Andrade made two good plays at third base, and shortstop Adam Ferguson made a nice diving stop and flip on the ground to second baseman and brother Chris Ferguson.
Right from the start of the game, the alumni defense was strong. John Alciati in center field ran down a long fly ball off the bat of Andrew Cummins and came up with a nice sliding dive for the out.
Kevin Henley at shortstop snagged a potential double moving to his left.
In the sixth inning, Jon Alciati, who stole a base, made it to third base and was pulled in favor of his father and 1967 LO grad Al Alciati, who later crossed the plate.
Mike Christman, who was playing with a fractured vertebrae, brought his results of his MRI in before the game to show that he was clear to play. Although, by the time the game was over Christman was limping out of the dugout.
Adam Ferguson made great play from second to force out a runner and came up with a bases-clearing double for the alumni early in game.
Daniel Crossen, who received the game ball, just missed a grand slam when he hit a ball to the base of 400 foot sign.
Jeff Becknall also picked up several hits for the alumni. Sean Nourie hit a home run for the varsity team.
