By Fredy Ramirez
Maranatha baseball rallied passed Alhambra High school Tuesday May 23, in the second round of the division IV playoff bracket.
The Minutemen started off strong as they scored the first run of the game. Sophomore Charles Acker was able to drive in the first run, hitting a single to drive in the run for the Minutemen. He finished the day going 2-4 at the plate. However, the Moors would respond with an offensive of their own, scoring three runs in the second inning to take a 3-1 lead. The Moors lead of the inning with two singles. Those runs would score due to a throwing error on a bunt. The last run would come across on a sacrifice fly.
Sophomore Dawson Netz was able to shut out the Moors for the rest of the game after coming in to pitch with one out in the second. He was able to strikeout 10 with his curveball and slider. Netz had opposing batters on their toes, never letting them get comfortable at the plate.
“He (Netz) had his slider working for him as a strikeout pitch. He was able to throw the first pitch over the plate for a strike. He just kept them guessing.” said Head Coach Matt Shupper.
The Minutemen’s back were against the wall facing a two run deficit. In the fifth inning, the Minutemen exploded for four runs retaking the lead 5-3. After this, Maranatha never looked back. Freshman Casey Popham led the offense collecting two hits and an RBI on three trips to the plate. Senior Eddie Lopez came up with the big hit, hitting a single into left field driving in the go ahead runs.
Maranatha High School baseball plays Victor Valley High School Friday, May 26, in the quarter finals of the division IV Playoffs.
