For the second time in a week, Sobrato’s offense exploded in the
early innings.
By Craig Meister
Special to the Times
Morgan Hill – For the second time in a week, Sobrato’s offense exploded in the early innings.
The Bulldogs scored six runs on seven hits in the second inning that carried Sobrato to a 12-4 victory Wednesday over Oak Grove, handing the Eagles their first loss of the season.
“We came out swinging. Everyone had the right approach,” Sobrato coach Shorty Gutierrez said.
Antonino Davi singled, Bryan Yates hit a ground-rule double and Kevin Sullivan singled in both teammates for an early 2-0 lead.
After Ryan Melicker reached on an error, Taylor O’Connell slapped an RBI single to left. Billy Hill singled up the middle to score Melicker before Danny Hill doubled down the left-field line for two runs to give the Bulldogs a commanding 6-0 lead.
In the third inning, Yates walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Sullivan’s double to left-center field for a 7-0 lead. Sullivan, who pitched into the fourth inning, finished 2 for 2 with three RBIs.
The Eagles scored three runs in the fourth inning to trim the lead to 7-3 before Ryan Evanger relieved Sullivan.
“After they scored three runs, we answered,” Gutierrez said. “By taking the momentum back and not letting them in the game is key. They’re a good team and we killed their momentum.
“Sullivan started out well. As long as we continue to throw strikes, we’ve got a good defense behind us. I’m pretty confident in six guys to do the job.”
Sullivan can attest to the Bulldogs’ strong defense. With a runner on second and two outs in the third inning, Sullivan allowed a single but left-fielder O’Connell threw out a runner at the plate to end the inning.
O’Connell also had a perfect day at the plate going 2 for 2 with an RBI batting in the ninth spot. Sullivan finished with two hits and three RBIs. Hill, Yates and Davi also had two hits apiece for the Bulldogs. Gutierrez said Davi’s presence in the lineup has bolstered the offense.
“He’s been swinging the bat really well,” Gutierrez said. “He got us started in the second and he is picking up his game day in and day out.”
Sobrato improves to 3-2 and can match Oak Grove’s record when the Bulldogs meet the Eagles at 3:30 p.m. today.
