Vaqueros identify with Larsen, Mayhew

LAKESIDE —- A pair of ballclubs struggling to find an identity met in Tuesday’s (Apr. 27) Grossmont Valley League opener, seeking to determine which will battle heavy preseason favorite Santana for the league crown.

In a pairing of clubs with similar 4-9 overall records, the “second season” turned out positive for El Capitan, after third baseman Bradley Larsen knocked in three runs in a 6-3 triumph over Mount Miguel at Hostetler Field.

Larsen, the cleanup hitter, recorded a tie-breaking, two-run single in the decisive third innings, then capped the contest with an RBI double to fuel the Vaqueros (5-9 overall, 1-0 GVL).

Moments after the Matadors (4-10, 0-1 GVL) moved even on an unearned run in the third, El Cap bounced right back to claim the lead.

Two errors and a hit batsman loaded the bases, then Larsen lined a line single to right for a 3-1 advantage.

The Vaqs would score four times in the frame, including run-scoring singles by Bobo Mendoza and Miguel Rosario.

Zach Mayhew pitched a complete game, striking out six while allowing four hits and four walks for the win.

Thomas Ringer went the six complete innings for Mount Miguel, striking out 10, while allowing six hits and two walks.

“The Vaqueros do not play like a 4-9 team,” Mount Miguel head coach Frank Coit said. “But we are handing the other team outs by booting the ball on routine plays. We have young players in important positions. We are competing to a point, however, we just don’t have an identity yet.”

Mount Miguel catcher Joseph Trader stole a pair of bases. Mount Miguel’s first run of the game came on a theft of home by the state’s stolen base leader.

Matt Acevedo, a transfer from Monte Vista, had a double in his first plate appearance for the Matadors.

Monte Vista 16, ECVHS 0 ( 5 inn.)

SPRING VALLEY —- In the Grossmont Valley League opener for both clubs, Monte Vista pitchers Andy Canedo and Justyn Stone combined to toss a 1-hitter against visiting El Cajon Valley.

Canedo pitched two near-perfect innings. He struck out five batters but allowed a leadoff walk in the second inning. However, Canedo still faced the minimum number of batters by picking off the base-runner.

Stone allowed a single to his first batter, but Canedo, now playing second base, immediately turned a double play. The twin-killing started a stretch of three no-hit innings by Stone, who struck out six batters.

Because of the CIF sportsmanship rules, since Canedo (4-2) was leading 13-0 through two frames, he was awarded the pitching victory; Stone garnered the save.

Monte Vista (8-7 overall, 1-0 GVL) received two hits each from Canedo, Ernie Arambula and Aaron Zuniga. Canedo and Tyler Lemen posted doubles; Zuniga recorded three RBI.

Esteban Rodriguez hit a single up the middle for the Monarchs, leading to rousing cheers from the Monarch bench.

“(Rodriguez) a great kid,” Monte Vista head coach Craig Neu said. “He loves being a part of this team. Everyone on the team was really happy for him.”

The lone hit for the Braves (1-9, 0-1 GVL) was a lead single by catcher Ruben Casio, the club’s top hitter.