The Varsity Baseball team posted another workman like victory against the Pinole Valley Spartans on Tuesday in Lafayette to push their record to 10-0. Ken Souza Field has never looked better. The grass had just been cut, the skies were blue and the boys continued their winning ways. Fans are turning out in record numbers to see this impressive club play. A lively student section has been established down the right field line, driven largely by members of our state championship football team.
Mason Zirkel got his first start of the year on the mound, which is a testament to how strong this pitching staff really is. Mason led the Diablo Foothill League with a 1.48 ERA last year as a Junior. He didn’t miss a beat on Tuesday. Zirkel pitched 4 innings, giving up 2 hits, 2 walks and an earned run, while striking out 4 Spartans. He worked quickly and relied on his defense to make plays, which they did all game.
Mason was relieved by Brady Quinn, who pitched 2 innings in his second appearance of the year. Brady gave up 2 unearned runs, yielding no hits and a walk en route to striking out 2 Pinole Valley batters.
The pitching performance of the day undoubtedly went to lefty hurler Jack Giorgianni, who enjoyed his first outing in 2 years. It’s hard to lead the league in tackles 2 years in a row in football and stay healthy for baseball. It was great to see Jack back! He took the hill with his patented swagger as he retired the Spartans in order in the 7th inning. After 3 weak pop outs the boys in blue had another W.
Offensively the Dons were gifted 6 errors from Pinole Valley defenders. Acalanes was led at the plate by second baseman Everett Glass, shortstop James Stadt, DH Isaac Copen, third baseman Gavin Bender and right fielder David Gonzales with a hit each. The big blow was a BOMB to center field, into the teeth of a stiff wind, by Isaac Copen in the 1st inning. The ball was absolutely crushed!
Defensively the outfield played extremely well. Right fielder David Gonzales, left fielder Drew Asadorian and center fielder Keegan Goddard all made nice catches in the swirling wind. Gonzales also scored 3 runs for the home 9.
The game really was never close. Mason Zirkel left with a 9-1 lead after 4 innings. Brady Quinn held serve, before Jack Giorgianni preserved the 10-3 victory in the 7th. It was another quality team win for the boys in blue.
The Dons take on the Miramonte Matadors today at 4pm at home. Like football, the boys are laying the groundwork for another memorable season. Come out and see this team perform. You won’t regret it. Pitching and defense wins, but a monster home run every once in a while doesn’t hurt.
Go Dons!