Bishop Diego’s Cole Atelian made the final play at home plate on Friday as the Cardinals held on to defeat Templeton 5-4.
The Eagles, the No. 3 team in Division 5, suffered just their third loss of the season and are now 14-3.
Atelian was playing catcher for the Cardinals, who had led 5-4 since the bottom of the fourth inning.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Templeton had runners on second and third base. With the infield playing in, a ground ball turned into a force out at first base. During the play, the Templeton baserunner at second base attempted to advance to third even though the lead runner stayed put. Now in a rundown situation and two outs, the runner at third broke for home but John Rios threw to Atelian for the final tag to end the game.
The victory improves Bishop Diego to 11-8.
Mitchell Oleson (3 IP), Nolan Tooley (3 IP) and Jack Gregson (1 IP) combined on the mound. Tooley was credited with the win.
Scott Mandrell drove in two runs and scored once while going 3-for-3. Aidan Williams scored three times and was 2-for-3. Salda finished 2-for-2 with a walk and an RBI.
The Cardinals return to Tri-Valley League competition next week with a home-and-away series with St. Bonaventure starting Wednesday in Ventura.
