Dos Pueblos is in a fight for sole possession of second place in the Channel League, and the Chargers came out slugging on Tuesday and floored San Marcos 17-1 at Dos Pueblos.
The Chargers remain tied with Buena for second, both at 7-4. Buena scored a run in the seventh to beat Ventura 5-4 on Tuesday. DP and Buena play the same opponents on Thursday.
The Chargers got started right out of the gate, scoring four runs in the first inning. After three consecutive walks to load the bases, Daniel Vickers hit a fly ball that was dropped by San Marcos’ second baseman to score Mike Spiritosanto and Kyle Richardson. Johnny Corazza stepped up and hit a line-drive along the left-field line to score both Joe Huthsing and Vickers.
San Marcos got a run back in the top of the third when a double by Jimmy Brakka scored sophomore Joe Prince.
Dos Pueblos responded in a big way, scoring six runs in the bottom of the third. After a Corazza single to load the bases, Jordan Drewisch singled to score Richardson. Steven Reveles walked to drive in Huthsing and Ben York stepped up and connected on a huge hit to the left-field fence, scoring three more runs. York tried to squeeze out a triple, but was cut short after a diving attempt at third base.
The Chargers continued their offensive onslaught in the sixth inning with seven runs on six hits, including a two-run triple from Corazza and multiple singles from Drewisch, Reveles, and Richardson.
Dos Pueblos coach Nate Mendoza expects his team to perform with the same intensity everyday.
“We did what we were suppose to do. Thats what I’m expecting, and that’s a result I expect to have on Thursday as well,” said Mendoza. “We’re not underestimating San Marcos by any point. It’s a rival game, they played Santa Barbara very well earlier this year, and we’re going to come out with fire.”
Joe Huthsing (6-1) started for the Chargers, allowing just one run and six hits. Colin Cole stepped in as reliever in the fifth inning, allowing no runs while striking out one. Sheldon Bosio was the closer, finishing off the seventh with no hits or runs.
For the Royals, Brakka (0-3) pitched the first three innings, striking out three. Zak Colegrove came in as relief, pitching the final three innings and striking out two.
“We had a couple bad innings, but we were still playing the full seven innings. We never quit, and we continue to play hard,” said San Marcos coach Tony Vanetti. “I’m proud of our guys for hanging in there.”
San Marcos remains winless in the Channel League.
Mendoza is making sure his players stay sharp.
“Our preparation is getting ready for CIF. We’re not going to come in relaxed, thinking we’re going to win. Were just going to expect we perform at a high level.”
Dos Pueblos 17 San Marcos 1
SM..001 000 0–1 7 3
DP…406 070 x–17 16 1
Huthsing, Cole (5th), Bosio(7th) and Richardson, Sassola (7th); Brakka, Colegrove(4th) and Moore, Macduffee. W-Hithsing(6-1) L-Brakka (0-3)
2B-SM:Brakka 3B-DP: Corazza
