The Morgan Hill Mudcats opened the 2009 season with a
doubleheader sweep over the El Cerrito A’s on Sunday
MORGAN HILL — The Morgan Hill Mudcats opened the 2009 season with a doubleheader sweep over the El Cerrito A’s on Sunday behind a five-hit performance from San Jose City College standout Travis Molina and former Gavilan College stars Rocco Costanza and Shannon Fernandez.
The Mudcats won the opener 11-1. Live Oak graduate Brendan Flaherty pitched outstanding, giving up four hits and one run in the full seven innings (the game was called in the seventh due to the 10-run mercy rule).
Shannon Fernandez (3-for-5 batting, three runs) scored in the first on an RBI single by Costanza (2 for 4, three RBIs). The ‘Cats sent nine batters to the plate during a six-run second, highlighted by Molinas’ majestic three-run homer. Gavilan standout Kevin Madeiros (2 for 4, two RBIs, one run) knocked in a run in the sixth, and the Mudcats scored three more in the seventh, including catcher Ben Fullers’ RBI single after left fielder Jose Avila’s triple.
In the second game, Molina blasted batted 4 for 4 with four doubles, three RBIs and two runs. The ‘Cats scored 10 in the second with Costanza (2 for 3, two runs, two RBIs) hitting a long towering home run over the right-field fence, then a double later in the inning. Fernandez (2 for 5, three RBIs, two runs) hit a bases-loaded triple, and Flaherty a two-run triple. K. Madeiros was 2 for 4, and third baseman Richie Valencia was 2 for 5 as the Mudcats won 17-6. Matt Madeiros, KC Burns and Travis Molina teamed up on the mound with Burns getting the win. Lead-off hitter Jordan Newton, a Gavilan product, was 2 for 6 on the day and scored five runs.
The Mudcats travel to Palo Alto next Sunday to play the defending WBA champion Oaks.
“This was a good win for us. Last year, the A’s beat us up a couple of times, and it felt good to return the favor,” Morgan Hill manager Ken Valencia said. “That isn’t a bad team over there.”
Mudcats first-year coach Ron Prater was impressed by the power display.
“We have big hitters through the lineup with excellent speed at the top with Jordan and Shannon in the 1-2 hole,” he said.
Valencia added: “We scored runs last year, but we weren’t consistent. Our pitching is a year stronger. Flaherty really has the control and a wicked splitter. Madeiros had to be in the 90s, just throwing gas. KC and Travis really give us depth on the mound. Once these guys get going, we will be tough to beat.”
