In a low scoring game with the score all tied up in the ninth inning, the Pierce College baseball team beat the Allan Hancock Bulldogs 2-1 on Thursday March 21.
Still recovering from their 4-2 loss to Hancock on Tuesday March 19, the baseball team managed to win in the ninth inning and win one of the two games against the Bulldogs.
Head coach John Bushart was impressed by the clutch decisions made by his players during the game, calling it “the best win of the year.”
The team had a slow start, with Pierce walking in a run in the third inning and received an automatic out for using a non-regulation baseball bat.
Pierce began to pick up pace offensively and defensively in the sixth inning.
They closed out the top of the sixth with a double play and pitcher/outfielder Kevin Torres singled and brought in outfielder Dylan Tashijian, who reached first base off an error by the Bulldogs shortstop.
Catcher Jason D’Andrea began Pierce’s comeback win with a single to begin the inning. D’Andrea reached second on a sacrifice bunt by pinch hitter Joe Christian. Second basemen Aldo Zamora would reach first off of an error by the Bulldogs shortstop and D’Andrea advanced to third.
With the winning run at third, infielder Adam Ramirez would strike out and bring up outfielder Justin Davis.
Davis singled and brought in winning run to end the inning and game.
“We fought today as a unit,” Davis said. “Getting the base hit was all I needed. In the end it was my trust in our coach that got us the victory.”Justin Davis batted in the winning run with a base hit in the ninth inning.
Although the Brahmas were a bit slow on their offense, they held strong on the defensive end and didn’t allow Hancock to score after their first run.
Assistant coach Matt Wilson had confidence in his team’s ability to bring home the victory in the final inning.
“Definitely a great win for the team. It’s always a good feeling to go out there and win it at home” Wilson said. “We went out and competed hard.”
The use of a non-regulation baseball bat which led to an automatic out was the topic of some discussion after the game.
Bushart stated that the bat was not modified in any way, but was made by a company that isn’t allowed to use their brand of baseball bats in the California Community College Athletic Association.
Pierce plays its next game on the road against Santa Barbara on March 22.