Alta Loma kept up the good work at home this season, remaining undefeated at its own field in a 15-3 CIF-opening Division-2 victory over Santa Barbara on Thursday.
The Braves scored seven runs in the first inning and six in the second on their way to their 14th win at home this season without a loss.
The Dons had just won their wild-card game on Tuesday but had no answers on Thursday.
“The other guys pitched better, fielded better, and hit better,” said Dons assistant coach Mike Cooney.
Nolan Sheridan started on the mound for Alta Loma and was relieved at the beginning of the fourth by winning pitcher Cortland Cox.
Chad Keenan led the Braves at the plate with a 3-for-3 performance that included three RBI. Alta Loma outhit the Dons 19-5 in total.
Johnny Bronstema was Santa Barbara’s lone player with multiple hits. Brontsema scored a run and drove in a run with a single in the fifth inning.
The Dons finish their season with a 16-11 record. Thirteen seniors suited up for the last time, including starters Kees t’Sas, Kenny Crawford and Max St. John.
“They were terrific teammates and supporters,” Cooney said.
Alta Loma advances to Tuesday’s second round where it will face Garden Grove Pacifica, the division’s second seed. Pacifica won 7-0 over Redondo.
