Richardson walk-off home run gives Highlanders 1-0 win

By ECS Staff
Updated: April 29, 2016

Helix's Matthew Richardson is mobbed by teammates following his game-winning home run Thursday. / Chris Davis photo

2016 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

By Chris Davis
© East County Sports.com

LA MESA (4-29-16) — Generally, there is little to none love lost when Grossmont and Helix face each other, regardless of the sport.

The “Battle for the Claymore” is the title of the annual football game between the neighboring high schools. Well, the baseball version of the rivalry saw the two face off on Thursday (April 28) when the Scotties won on a walk-off home run by MATTHEW RICHARDSON in the bottom of the eighth, 1-0.

Both teams had chances in regulation, but could not come up with the clutch hit when they needed it.

Grossmont (14-7, 4-2 GHL) had opportunities in the first and fifth innings.

(C) East County Sports.com / Chris Davis

Helix (12-7, 4-2 GHL) had its chances in the first, second and sixth innings.

After nothing could be decided in the regulation seven innings, the teams went to the eighth inning.

The Foothillers went down in order.

The Scotties were staring down the barrel of going to the ninth, when Richardson took an 0-1 slider over the left center field wall igniting a joyous celebration at home plate. It was Richardson’s 2^nd home run of the season.

“When you play in this league (Grossmont Hills) against good teams, you have to play really good baseball to win,” Helix head coach COLE HOLLAND said after the victory. “(KANNON ROMERO) pitched a helluva game on their side and obviously CONNOR (KONISHI) is Connor. He pitched a helluva game on our side.

Konishi pitched a complete game, scattered 5 hits, walked none and struck out 5 as he posted his East County-leading 7^th straight win.

“It is kinda who doesn’t make a mistake,” Holland added. “We played pretty flawless defense. It comes down to the big hit. I’m just happy with our energy, it is kinda who we are. Such a big step forward, the way we approach the game, the “we” mentality not the “I” mentality. Which I think we kinda slipped into for a little bit.”

(C) East County Sports.com / Chris Davis

Hardluck loser Romero was tagged with his 2^nd loss in four decisions as he surrendered only four hits including Richardson’s home run, pitching 7 2/3 innings.

The Highlanders will take on Steele Canyon on Friday (April 29) and Tuesday (May 3), while No. 8 ranked Grossmont will take on No. 4 Granite Hills, which is in first place in the Grossmont Hills League on Friday and Tuesday.

HIGHLANDERS 1, FOOTHILLERS 0 (8 inn.)
Grossmont     ab r h bi Helix         ab r h bi
McCarthy ss    4 0 1 0  Richardson ss  3 1 1 1
Ouellette 2b   4 0 1 0  Smelko lf      3 0 1 0
ALopez 3b      3 0 0 0  Stronach 3b    3 0 1 0
JGarcia 1b     3 0 1 0  Konishi p      3 0 0 0
Farris lf      3 0 0 0  Padilla dh     3 0 0 0
Lombardo rf    2 0 0 0  Kovalcheck rf  0 0 0 0
Buchanan cf    1 0 0 0  Brogan 1b      3 0 0 0
Pineda cf-rf   3 0 1 0  Chase cf       3 0 0 0
Hulett dh      3 0 1 0  Peterson 2b    3 0 0 0
Tedokon c      3 0 0 0
TOTALS        29 0 5 0  TOTALS        27 1 4 1

  Grossmont (14-7, 4-2) 000 000 00 – 0 5 0
  Helix     (4-2, 12-7) 000 000 01 – 1 4 1

GWRBI-Richardson (2).
E-Konishi. DP-Hel 1. LOB-Gro 5, Hel 4. 
2B-Hulett, Stronach, Isbell. 
HR-Richardson (2) 8^th, solo walkoff.

PITCHING SUMMARY
Grossmont        ip  h  r er bb so
 Romero L(2-2)  7.2  4  1  1  1  5
Helix
 Konishi W(7-0) 8.0  5  0  0  0  5