Pack’s Kondyra smacks walk-off HR

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

SANTEE (5-9-2018) – Gavin Kondyra capped a three-RBI performance in fine fashion, leading off the bottom of the seventh inning by drilling a walk-off home run to power West Hills High to a 5-4 decision over visiting El Cajon Valley in Tuesday’s (May 8) Grossmont Valley League contest.

Kondyra, a junior first baseman, pulled a line drive to right field, giving the Pack their second single-run decision over the Braves this year in sweeping the 3-game, season series.

“Gavin kept his composure despite not starting,” head coach Mickey Deutschman said on Kondyra, who found himself in the rare role of sitting on the bench to start the ballgame. “When he was called upon, he demonstrated his focus and maturity, delivering twice for us.”

With the Pack facing a 4-1 deficit in the fourth, Kondyra came through for the first time. The pinch-hitter sent a hard grounder through the right side of the infield, allowing Kai Dennis and Larry “Chris” Schroeder to score the tying runs in the fourth.

Schroder drove in the inning’s first run with a booming double to deep center, allowing Landon “London” Bailey to score.

Then in the seventh, after Kondyra scooped a throw out of the dirt to register the third out on the Braves, he stepped to the plate and drilled a 1-2 pitch into the dirt parking lot beyond right field.

Joe Thrailkill pitched the final three innings for West Hills (9-15 overall, 5-6 GVL) to collect the victory. He struck out three while starting pitcher Colton Corderman whiffed four in as many innings of work.

For El Cajon Valley (5-15 overall, 0-10 GVL), Aaron Rodriguez recorded a pair of base hits, while Paulo Michel, drove in a pair of runs. Braves pitcher Sebastian Sanchez was the hard-luck loser, despite tossing a complete game.

Up next on Thursday (May 10), West Hills hosts Monte Vista, while ECVHS goto Steele Canyon. Both start at 4 p.m.