Bryan Melara
Ryan Santhon’s stellar pitching performance was not enough to keep the Brahmas in the playoffs as they were eliminated by No. 5 El Camino College Saturday in Torrance, 1-0.
In the ninth inning of a pitcher’s duel and the score even at zero, El Camino infielder Chris Vopinek scored starting pitcher Kyle Petter from third with a bloop single to shallow left field.
“All around team effort,” said Petter about El Camino’s Victory.
Despite the lost, Santhon (6-5) pitched marvelous giving up one run on six hits and striking out five in his first career complete game.
“He pitched his tail off,” said coach John Bushart. “Threw as good a game as you can throw.”
Santhon’s counterpart, Petter (12-0), threw a complete game shut-out, striking out six while allowing four hits and pitched “as advertised,” according to Bushart.
“He did everything I did but better,” said Santhon about Petter’s performance.
In the bottom of the ninth with no outs first baseman Nick Rodarte grounded into a double play as David Whetstone was called out at second on an interference call.
Bushart did not agree with the call.
“I thought it was a bad call, plain and simple,” he said. “It’s a tough one to swallow.”
Pierce’s defense was flawless and made a big contribution to Santhon’s complete game.
In the top of the eighth inning with runners in scoring position, catcher Ryan Gasparra battled the sun, but made the catch to get Santhon out of the jam with no damage done.
El Camino coach Nate Fernley described the game as “two great teams fighting against each other,” and Pierce’s performance as “outstanding.”
“We did what we could, we put it all on the line and just came up short,” said Pierce outfielder Zachary Wagner.
Pierce will end its season with a record of 25-13.