Monday: The Lamorinda Classic kicked off with rainclouds rolling in, dampening the fields and causing Casa Grande Gauchos to hesitate before making the journey to the 94549. But the Acalanes Dons? Let’s Play! 100%! They were ready to face whatever the weather had to throw at them-All In! While the Gauchos took cover, as the Dons embraced the storm, and after a weather delay, the game was rescheduled for a Tuesday doubleheader—complete with a few rain delays to keep things interesting on Tuesday.
In the first matchup, both teams brought their best on the mound, but the stormy conditions ultimately seemed to favor Casa Grande, who secured a 2-0 victory. Branson Smith took the mound for Acalanes, recording 15 outs, but the Gauchos struck early with a run in the first inning. Smith delivered a solid performance, surrendering only two hits and two unearned runs over five innings while striking out four. Despite stealing four bases—two by Tyler Winkles—the Dons couldn’t quite weather the elements, and the cold winds and rain seemed to blow the game in Casa Grande’s direction and a reminder that sometimes, even the best teams can be at the mercy of Mother Nature.
But the storm clouds soon parted and blue skies took over. As the Dons looked ahead to game two of the Tuesday doubleheader against Freedom, they were ready to ride the high-pressure system of their renewed energy. The Dons rolled to a 6-0 victory, playing confidently like they were AccuWeather, just doing their job. Acalanes wasted no time, with Ando Butner blasting a homer (his second for the season) to left field in the first inning, followed by an RBI single from David Gonzales. The Dons continued to roll in the third, with Gonzales adding another run with a groundout. Austin McManamon earned the win by throwing five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, striking out three batters, and demonstrating resilience. Hank Bauer and Jake Colaco kept the game under control, and the Dons sealed their victory with excellent defense and clutch hitting. It was clear skies for Acalanes, and the forecast was nothing but sunshine after this strong performance.
The Dons didn’t stop there. In their third and final game of the tournament on Wednesday, they were unstoppable, winning 10-1 against the Berkeley Yellowjackets. Acalanes wasted no time, with Butner and Goddard on the bases opening the scoring early with a Drew Asadorian hitting hard down first breezing Bunter over the plate. The Dons kept building on their lead in the second, with Tyler Winkles tearing through the defense like a tornado—starting with a bunt-hit (you had to see it to believe it, it was that good!) and then blasting a fast bolt down the line, we could’ve sworn we heard a Yellowjacket fan shout, “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!”. After a walk and a hit by Josh Lee, the bases were loaded, and two more walks sent the Dons to a 3-0 lead. The Dons kept adding runs each inning like raindrops building up to a downpour. By the end of the day, they had racked up 10 runs, with hits from a whole front of Dons: Lee, Copen, Winkles, Goddard, Asadorian, Gonzales, Butner…the hits just kept rolling in. Gonzales and Asadorian were the key players, each driving in two runs. The Dons’ offense was patient, drawing 10 walks. And Defense, well it was that Defense at its best. Gonzales led the team with seven assists, while the team played flawless defense and committed no errors, yup defense at its best.
Gavin Beers took the win, pitching four stellar innings, and allowing just one run, while Cody Michlitsch, Riley Gates, and Brady Quinn came in for relief to finish the job. It was a perfect storm of offense, defense, and pitching, as the Dons showed they could weather anything thrown their way. The Dons stormed the field and took the Yellowjackets by surprise, winning 10 to 1! It was like a perfect weather forecast for the Dons—clear skies, no chance of a comeback, and a forecast of nothing but runs. The Yellowjackets might have tried to bring the buzz, but the Dons brought the thunder!
LEAGUE FORECAST
As the skies cleared, so did the Dons’ path to greatness. With a solid record and a team full of firepower, the Dons are set to shine even brighter as they dive into league play. The forecast? A perfect storm of raw power, unrelenting energy, and sharp skill, all with a high-pressure system of success pushing them forward.
As they head into their first league game at away against Benicia on Tuesday, with temperatures hitting a perfect 72 degrees, the weather couldn’t be more ideal for the Dons to make their mark. The skies are wide open—it’s time for DONination and keep the sun shining on this unstoppable team. So grab your sunglasses, slap on some sunscreen, and come out to support the Dons (Benicia: Tuesday Away and Thursday Home) —because the forecast calls for plenty of sun, runs, and a voice shouting from the dugout: “LOVE IT!”
Tuesday, April 8 at 4pm-Away -Benicia Panthers
Thursday, April 10 at 4pm-Our House -Benicia Panthers
No Pity for the Kitty!
