PHS Scores 5 Runs in the 6th to Beat Burroughs 5-3 in Pacific League Opener

Article and Photos By Jacob Bigley

The Bulldogs treated their fans to one of the most exciting league openers this past Tuesday as they faced off against the Burroughs Indians at Pasadena High. Pasadena’s Starting Pitcher Niko Lopez (#20) was the star both offensively and defensively. Lopez earned the win by pitching a near complete game, throwing 6.2 innings recording 5 K’s, 5 H’s, 1 ER and 2 BB.

Despite what the final score reads, many wouldn’t have predicted the outcome based on the initial momentum established by the Indians. The first run came in the 3rd inning when Ryan Galan (#8), who went 4/4 with an RBI, hit a single and advanced the runner on first, Aidan Anding (#2), to third. The throw to third was off target which led Anding home to score.

In the 5th, Indians’ Chris Peres (#25) led off with a double. The next two batters would ground and fly out, bringing Anding to the plate. Anding singled between the shortstop and third baseman which led to a mishandled ball by Pasadena’s left fielder and allowed Peres enough time to head home. The Indians final run came from none other than Ryan Galan, who hit a single up the middle scoring Anding and putting them up 3-0.

Heading into the 6th inning, I asked Coach Parisi what he told his team before they stepped up to bat, he said, “That we need base runners and quality at bats. Their pitcher was getting tired… We batted 9 that inning. It was the best offensive inning of the year.”

Indians starting pitcher Thomas Wilson (#18) held the Bulldogs scoreless for 5 innings but ran into trouble at the start of the 6th. Wilson would walk the first two batters, leading Burroughs’ Coach Craig Sherwood to pull the starter and turn to Jesse Galindo (#13). This is where Pasadena’s coach Michael Parisi felt the momentum change, “We never had the momentum until the 2 walks in the 6th. Proud of the boys for keeping the game close and still believing we could win.”

With no outs and a man on first and second, Galindo’s first batter he faced was Sumner Smith (#7). Galindo delivered a wild pitch advancing the base runners to second and third. Sumner would ground to the short stop, who threw to second base to pick off the runner but an overthrow led to the Bulldogs first score with a man on second and third with no outs.

Next to bat was Niko Lopez who went 2 for 2 with 1 run, 1 hit and 2 RBI’s. Lopez connects and drives the ball to right field scoring one run with Sumner rounding third and headed home. A high throw at the plate causes Indians’ Catcher Roy Hirota (#85) to extend his arms, leaving enough room for Sumner to run right under his left shoulder and score the game tying run.

Bulldog’s Sumner Smith (#7) ducks under Indians’ Catcher Roy Hirota (#85) to beat the tag and tie the game at 3-3 in the 5th.

After a walk and an infield base hit, the Bulldogs have the bases loaded. Galindo throws another wild pitch hitting Daniel Richamn (#23) and resulting in the go ahead run with Pasadena leading 4-3. Galindo was pulled and replaced by Kyle Nicol (#22). A sacrifice fly by Jeffrey Patrick (#3) would be the final run scored by the Bulldogs and they were headed into the 7th and final inning up 5-3.

Niko Lopez pitched two thirds of the seventh inning before hitting a batter and being relieved by Frank Garriola (#2). Garriola earned the save by striking out the final batter and clinching the win 5-3.

Coach Parisi talked about what this win means for the Bulldogs by saying, “It’s a big home win against a top 3 team in the league. It meant a lot.” It ‘s clear this was a big win for the Bulldogs but Coach Parisi needs his team to stay focused. He stated, “All it means is that we are 1-0 in league. Friday vs. CV is the next challenge we will face.”

Garriola strikes out the last batter to earn the save and celebrates with catcher Anthony Khraich

More from Pasadena Independent