The Dos Palos Bronco varsity baseball squad was scheduled to play at the Central Coast last weekend, a Friday game at Nipomo and a Saturday game at Atascadero.
However, a strike and work stoppage by high school umpires in that area forced Nipomo to travel to Dos Palos for a Friday doubleheader. The Broncos were not gracious hosts, taking a sweep over the Titans to run their record to 3-0. The Broncos won the first game 10-0 before ending the second game with a 6-5 victory.
“We’re playing well right now,” commented head coach Leonard Davis. “It’s pretty exciting watching these kids play.”
In the opener, senior Kanoa Ruiz was solid on the mound as the left-hander pitched five complete innings for the victory that was called by the mercy rule. Ruiz scattered four hits while striking out four.
“Kanoa only threw 45 pitches,” said Davis. “He was absolutely in a groove.”
With Ruiz controlling the Titan bats, Dos Palos scored six runs in the second inning. Doubles by Peyton Van Worth and Drake Hennagan paced the at-bat along with a walk by Aaron Jones and a single by Hernan Hernandez. The Broncos ended the shortened game with eight hits.
In the second game, Dos Palos had to mount a last at-bat comeback to win the game.
With Nipomo holding a 5-1 lead behind the pitching of Aden Willis. The Broncos went to work right away against Willis’ successor, drawing a pair of walks to open the winning. They were bunted over on a sacrifice by Aaron Jones. The Broncos then loaded the bases on a catcher’s interference call. Another walk scored a run and then Hernandez came through with a clutch single to score two more runs. Another walk loaded the bases again and Will Montemurro drew a walk to score the winning run.
“The bottom of the order came through in that final at bat, getting on base and setting the table for the top of order,” said Davis. “Hernan really came through with the big hit. He has just been crushing the ball.”
Issac Mandujano got the victory in relief of starter Jones. Mandujano pitched three innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four.
Davis is very encouraged by the strong start of his team, which also included a 25-0 win over Gustine.
“Our pitching has been solid and we are playing good defense,” he explained. “Our players are very versatile and can play different positions and play them well. That makes it so much easier to make changes. Our pitch counts have been low, which is also good. Everything is clicking together right now.”
