The train keeps rolling down the tracks for the Acalanes Varsity Baseball team. They recorded another impressive win, beating the Northgate Broncos 9-1 on a picture perfect day for baseball in Lafayette. The boys had their game faces on for the league home opener under sunny skies.
The Dons offense was relentless, with 4 runs in the 1st inning and 3 in the 3rd to jump out to an early 7-1 lead. Acalanes hitters also manufactured a run in the 5th and another in the 6th inning to push the final tally to 9-1.
Centerfielder and leadoff man Keegan Goddard got the offense started in the 1st inning with a leadoff single and eventually a run scored. He had a hit, walk, stolen base, a run scored and an RBI for the day. Shortstop James Stadt added 2 hits, 2 runs scored, 2 steals and an RBI.
Third baseman Gavin Bender has been red hot since his return to the lineup. He had 2 hits, 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs, a steal and a walk in an outstanding offensive performance. He also started a sweet double play in the top of the 5th on a sizzling grounder that he gloved before throwing a strike to Mason Zirkel at second for the first out. Zirkel then threw a dart to Sully Bailey at first to barely get the Northgate baserunner and complete the DP!
Catcher Benji O’Rourke contributed as usual with a hit, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Second baseman Mason Zirkel added an RBI double and a walk and DH Ando Butner stayed productive and loose with a hit, walk, run scored, RBI and 2 stolen bases.
Jake Colaco started on the mound for the Dons and went 1.2 innings to get the boys things started. He gave up a run and struck out a Bronco in his 41 pitch outing.
Branson Smith took the mound for the 8th time this year and did what he does. He came is loose, free and easy and just started pumping strikes. I am going to dub him “B Easy” and see if it sticks. Branson pitched 3.1 innings, giving up no runs, 1 hit and striking out 3 in a tidy 25 pitch performance. The kid has been nails this season. Keep grinding B Easy!
Isaac Copen took the hill for the Dons in the top of the 6th inning. Isaac was also pumping strikes. His 90 mph heater baffled hitters as he struck out the side with 11 smoking pitches!
Austin Mc Mannamon made his first Varsity appearance in the top of the 7th and set down the Bronco hitters in order to conclude the contest. The team’s pitching has been amazing. The staff’s season ERA is 1.448. The boys secured their 16th win of the season and got off to a 2-0 start in league play by sweeping the Northgate series.
It gets real next week with 2 games against the tough College Park Falcons. The Falcons shut out and swept Campo in their opening 2 game series. The boys play on Tuesday at 4pm at home at Ken Souza Field and in Pleasant Hill on Thursday at 4pm at College Park. The stands were packed on Thursday behind the plate and down the line. It become a great civic gathering and a family affair. Mason’s grandma, Kathy Zirkel, flew in from Chicago to see this historic squad play. She saw the program win streak start last May against Northgate and witnessed the 18th consecutive program victory on Thursday. Stay Hot Boys! Go Dons!!!
