After taking down the Versailles Tigers 5-2 on March 19, the Pintos looked to go three for three in the early season against the Cole Camp Bluebirds on Thursday.
California got a break in the bottom of the first inning when third baseman Will Edwards hit a ground ball that turned into an error by the Cole Camp second baseman. Edwards advanced to second base on the error and second baseman Tristan Nokes scored the game's first run.
The Pintos managed to keep their 1-0 lead up until the bottom of the fourth inning. Pitcher Jace Schreck led with a triple to right field. Two batters later, Schreck scored a run on an error by Cole Camp's pitcher. After second baseman Cameron Combs hit an RBI single, Edwards hit California's second triple of the inning and scored three runs. Right fielder Collin Althoff completed California's six-run fourth inning with a RBI ground out to first base to put the Pintos up 7-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Bluebirds got on the board when catcher Grant Rodriguez hit an RBI double to right field after an error by the California outfield. The Bluebirds scored two more runs in the sixth to make it a 7-3 game.
With a runner on third base, Nokes hit a ground ball that turned into an error - enabling the runner on third to reach home. Later, Schreck hit a two-run RBI double to center field to score Nokes and Edwards.
After getting the three runs back, the Pintos allowed only one run in the top of the seventh and defeated Cole Camp 10-4. The Pintos remain undefeated at 3-0 after Thursday's win.
For California, Schreck allowed no runs on one hit with seven strikeouts on 74 total pitches in five innings. Relief pitcher Hayden Kilmer allowed four runs on two hits with two strikeouts on 43 total pitches in two innings. Schreck also batted 2-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Edwards batted 1-3 with three RBI's and two runs scored. Combs, as designated hitter, batted 2-2 with two runs scored and an RBI. Nokes batted 0-1 with three runs scored, an RBI and three walks.
Pintos head coach Steven Stock said California's success has been a good combination of offense and defense. Despite have batting troubles at different points during the season, the Pintos have been able to make up for those struggles with their defense behind the mound. Stock said California's batting took a step in the right direction during Thursday's game.
"Our pitchers have been throwing the ball over the plate and we've had a situation in all three games where we've stayed out of giving up big innings. We're made some steps with our offense today and we had some big hits in key moments. So our pitchers are throwing strikes, we're putting the ball in play and our defense is playing solid behind the plate," Stock said. "We didn't make a couple of plays in the sixth inning and that allowed them to put three runs on the board. We were able to get those runs back in the bottom of the inning - which was a big answer. They had momentum and we took it right back. Our kids understand that we've been pretty solid so far. We've just got to keep it going as long as we can."
The Pintos are off for spring break this week. The team will be back in action Tuesday at Hallsville.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Second baseman Will Edwards batted 1-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored against the Bluebirds on Thursday night.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Designated hitter Cameron Combs hits an RBI single in the sixth inning for the Pintos.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
Cameron Combs (left) and Tristan Nokes (right) high-five each other after Combs scores a run in the fourth inning.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes)
First baseman Gavin Porter hits a single to center field in the fifth inning against Cole Camp.