Dos Pueblos made room for itself on top of the Channel League standings on Friday by defeating Buena 4-2.
It was the first league loss for the Bulldogs in three games while the Chargers take over sole possession of first place at 3-0.
Nolan Soto was the winning pitcher and went four innings. Luke Loggins pitched the fifth, sixth and seventh for the save.
Brett Patton hit a home run in his second straight game and finished 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored.
Anthony Spiritosanto recorded two hits in three at-bats and stole two bases to run his season total to nine. Ben York was 1-for-1 in addition to a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly.
Buena had just tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning before Daniel Vickers drove in the winning run in the top of the sixth with an RBI single. Vickers would go on to score for a 4-2 lead.
Tyler Watson’s solo home run in the second inning gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
Even though it’s early in the season, the importance of the game was on Dos Pueblos’ mind.
“I told the guys, if we won today, we’re in the driver’s seat for the rest of the way,” said Chargers head coach Nate Mendoza.
The Chargers (9-2, 3-0) don’t play another league game until April 3rd against San Marcos. In between, DP is traveling to Tuscon, Arizona to defend its title at the Cherry Field Classic.
Buena (9-2, 2-1) loses for just the second time this season. The Bulldogs will close out the first round of league play on Tuesday against Ventura.
DOS PUEBLOS 4, BUENA 2
DP 001 102 0 – 4 8 1
Buena 010 010 0 – 2 5 1
DP – Soto, Loggins (5), and Huthsing. B – Brooks, and Coker. HR Watson (2nd inning, none on). HR Patton 4th inning, none on)
