The Varsity Dons are off to a strong start on their season, improving their record to 3-0 after Thursday’s 2-1 walk-off win against San Ramon Valley at the Pittsburg Invitational Tournament. The Dons advance to the Championship game against Clayton Valley High School tomorrow (3/1) at 3:30pm at Pittsburg High School.
Nick Kresnak was named Player of the Game in both of Acalanes’ games so far in the Pittsburg Invitational Tournament. He’s been a reliable bat and was sharp on the mound on Thursday.
Pitching was strong on both sides today…but the Dons got it done. Nick Kresnak got the start for Acalanes and pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run with 6 strikeouts and no walks. Michael Castelli pitched the final 1.1 inning.
After scoring a run in the 3rd inning on Nick Bamont’s sac fly to center that brought in Will Burleigh, the Dons found themselves still locked in a tie as the last inning rolled around.
With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Tommy Thrasher came through big and sent a fly ball to deep right field and took 3 bases. With Thrasher just 90 feet from the win, SRV opted to intentionally walk the next two batters, Thatcher Hurd and Cole Murgia, to load the bases and create a force play situation. That brought Sam Heyman to the plate. On a full count and with the game on the line…SRV walked Heyman, and the Dons won in a walk off as Thrasher touched home.
A shoutout to Scott Brydon who made a SportsCenter-worthy diving catch in right field in the 6th to help keep the game tight when it mattered!
Highlights from last Saturday’s game at the Pittsburg Invitational:
Acalanes stole the lead late to defeat Castro Valley High School 5-3. With the Dons trailing 1-3 in the bottom of the sixth, Nick Bamont got things started with a line drive single to right field. Nick Kresnak followed that up with an RBI double to center field. Kresnak went on to score on an error a few plays later. That left Cole Murgia on third (after stealing 2nd and 3rd) and Sam Heyman on second following a walk and a steal. With two outs and the game tied 3-3, Brady Huchingson came to the plate. On a 3-2 count, Huchingson hit a clutch 2 RBI line drive single to right field to bring Murgia and Heyman home, making the score 5-3. Dons defense took it from there and got the “W.”
Pitching was strong for the Dons. Logan Hurd got the start and went 4 innings, allowing 3 hits and no earned runs, with no walks and 3 strikeouts. Eddie Burns took it from there and pitched 2 flawless innings with no hits and 3 K’s. Michael Castelli closed out the game for the Dons, holding off Castro Valley and preserving the win.
Between Saturday’s game and Thursday’s game, the Dons pitching staff has looked sharp, with a 14 inning collective ERA of 0.64, on 9 hits, zero walks and 14 strikeouts.
A shoutout to Acalanes’ stellar shortstop, Davis Diaz, for being the backbone of the Dons’ solid defense. The pitchers surely have Diaz, among other defenders, to thank for their impressive stats in this tournament.
Follow the Dons live on GameChanger! Search by “Acalanes” and you’ll find 2019 feeds for Varsity, JV, and Frosh Teams.