Braves, Vaqueros win in blow-out fashion

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: March 28, 2023

2023 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL

ECS staff report

EL CAJON – In the past, when El Cajon Valley falls behind early, the opposing ballclub can often clear ther bench and allow underclassmen to play.

Not this season.

Despite trailing 3-0, the Braves stormed back with 13 unanswered run to take down the Warriors from The Rock, 13-3, in Monday’s (Mar. 27) non-league ballgame at ECVHS.

‘Braves sophomore catcher Matias Hererra led the mid-game assault with a 2-run double and scored twice, part of a 7-run outburst in in the fourth inning to seize control, ECVHS later added three runs in both the fifth and sixth frames, then displayed good sportsmanship by allowing The Rock to bat in the seventh rather than invoke the run (mercy) rule.

The triumph moved El Cajon Valley’s overall record to 3-3; it was the season opener for the Warriors from Liberty Station. It’s also the suqad’s third double-digit victory this decade; the others came last season against Crawford (14-1) and the first-year program at Bonzall (15-4).

In the decisive fourth, The Rock got into trouble with a lead error, a walk and a basehit allowed to load the bases.

Jorge Vargas then walked to end the Warriors shutout bid, then Malachi Michalek intentionally grounded to the first baseman to allow the second run to easily score.

Alfonso Araizaga followed with another ground ball to tie the game, but when the ball was booted, another runner came home to give the Braves a 4-3 lead.

The other runs cane hoe on an RBI single by Eddie Cazarez , then a 2-run single with two down by cleanup hitter Diego Robles, a corner outfielder who played both sides in the contest.

Meanwhile, Cazarez countered a slow start on the mound with 3.2 innings of shutout ball in a complete-game victory. He only struck out 4 Warriors batters, but more importantly did not issue a walk.

Meanwhule, the Braves’ Malachi Michalek walked three times, scoring ach time.

In addition, Herrera, Cazares and Varges all finished weith two hits each.

The game was the second in a 7-gaeme homestand for the Braves, which next entertain Vincent Memorial Catholic of Calexico on Wednesday.

El Capitan 18, Castle Park 4

LAKESIDE – El Capitan sophomore David Vera belted a pair of RBI doubles, one of five Vaqueros to drive in a par of runs, quickly disposing of visiting Castle Park, 18-4, Monday (Mat. 27) at Hostetler Field.

Along with Vera, teammates in senior Jett Hayes, juniors Kyle Kuhn and Brody McAuliffe, plus sophomore Landon Harbach all landed in the RBI category with two each.

The Vaqueros also registered track meet-type numbers with 14 stolden bases, incuding three by the Jett (Hayes).

McAuliffe pitvher 4.1 innnings, leaving with an 11-4 lead to agin the victory.

With its 18 runs, El Capitan (7-2 overall) scored its most runs since collecting 19 against Orange Glen n April 19, 2017., in a shutout triumph.

The “C=Park” Trojans fell to 0-4, losing by an average maqrgin of 10.25 to 1.50.

Canyon Hills 7, Foothills Christian 6 (8 inn.)

TIERRASANTA – Foothills Christian is officially the most unlucky ballclub in San Diego County. Although they’ve been in all but twocontests this season, something always seems to faqlter down the stretch, including Monday’s (Mar. 27)_ loss at Canyon Hills, 7-6 in 8 innings.

The Rattlers (5-4 overall) scored twice in the seventh to force extrainnings before winning on their next trip to the plate.

For Foothills Christian (0-9), senior Zach Ortiz (Sr) and freshman Joe Famolaro both batted 2-for-3 with two RBI. Famolano also scored twice.

Dustin “Dusty” Baker also added a run-scoring double.

The Knights return at action Wednesday at 3 p.m., hosting Orange Glen in both squads’ Pacific League opener. Foothills Christian finished second to league titlist Maranatha Christian in ’22, while the OG Patriots were 0-8 in league play.