A five-run third inning propelled Buena to a 7-4 victory over first-place Dos Pueblos on Friday in a Channel League game. The Bulldogs avoided a two-game sweep and kept the Chargers from opening a big three-game lead in the league standings.
The Chargers were looking good early on scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Luke Coffey drove home Gio Macias and Dustin Demeter as DP’s first three batters reached base against Buena’s star pitcher Austin Rubick.
Rubick didn’t allow a run the rest of the way and struck out 13 batters in seven innings. Leadoff hitter Nick Bero was 2 for 4 for Buena while Jack Coupart was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Buena scored one run in the top of the second and took the lead for good with the big third inning.
Demeter was 2 for 3 for Dos Pueblos, including the team’s only extra base hit. Coffey’s 2-run singles was his only hit as he went 1 for 3 as the No. 3 hitter.
Darby Naughton started for the Chargers. Michael Boelter took over in the fourth inning and allowed one run in four strong innings.
Dos Pueblos (12-13, 6-4) finishes off the Harvard-Westlake Tournament tomorrow at Alemany before taking on the San Marcos in a home-and-away league series next week.
