Former Vaquero, Griffin Coleman can still swing stick

By ECS Staff
Updated: July 12, 2017

2017 SAN DIEGO STARS BASEBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
Special to East County Sports

POWAY (76-12-2017) – One of the nation’s most popular, but least stylish mascots among U.S. colleges and universities is Bulldogs. However, one school at least has an interesting slogan to go along with the nickname, making life a bit more interesting.

That school is Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., an NCAA Division II program (except for D-1 hockey.”

The school’s popular slogan: “Let the Big Dog eat.”

San Diego Stars first baseman Shane Coleman likes to eat, too. And he likes to think he’s the big dog on the team as well.

On Tuesday (July 11), Coleman proved to be both, leading San Diego to a 4-3, come-from-behind victory over the host Poway Crush.

Coleman slugged a game-tying, 3-run home run in the 6th inning, then belted a ball off the ball for a double, which set up an ensuing go-ahead base hit by Joey Krug in the 9th.

“I need to get fueled up,” said Coleman during the 1st inning, but still munching down on a 12-inch, national chain sub just moments before heading to the on-deck circle. “I like to eat, I need to eat. And nobody complains if I show the results.”

Down 3-0, Coleman displayed such promise yet again.

Following a lead walk to catcher Tyler Lindsay and another free pass to Dallas Seidel with one out, the Crush registered a strikeout and were on the verge of preserving their shutout.

However, Coleman again proved he was the big dog. The clean-up hitter bombed his club-leading fifth home run of the season, sending a drive over the fence in left field at Poway High. He also has homered in consecutive ballgames against the pitching-deep Crush.

In the 9th, Coleman again made a major contribution, demonstrating why he’s moved into the 4-spot in the lineup while on his recent 10-25 (.400) tear. Shortstop Johnny Valdez accepted a lead walk, then Coleman sent another shot toward the same spot in left as his homer, but lower to settle for an off-the-wall double.

Joey Krug, the Stars leader in RBI, made it No. 20 for the summer with a line single to plate Valdez with the go-ahead run.

That was all relief pitcher Jeremiah Wylie needed. Despite a pair of Stars errors in the 9th, he notched a grounder for a double play, then a called strike three to send the Stars to their fourth victory without a loss to Poway all season.

Wylie is now 5-1 this summer for the Stars (18-6), leading the staff in victories.

The teams cap the season series on Thursday at West Hills High, starting at 5 p.n.

Austin Seidel pitched the first seven innings, surviving a rough opening inning before mowing down the Crush batting order.