This past week, the Acalanes Dons faced off in a two-game showdown against the Clayton Valley Ugly Eagles — not sure why they’re called the “Ugly Eagles,” but it was not a pretty week for CV.
Game 1: Dons Go to War and Win on the Road
Tuesday on the road, the Dons stepped into Eagles territory and walked out with a hard-earned 3–2 victory. This one was all about toughness — mental, physical, and competitive. And the Dons brought all three. ALL IN!
Drew Asadorian sparked the offense with a disciplined walk. Then came the “Bunt Brothers,” Ben Pecci and Jimmy Cusumano, laying down textbook bunts to load the bases. Dom Patitucci came through with a shot to open the scoring — and he wasn’t done. In the third, Patitucci tied the game with a sharp single after a six-pitch battle. Then in the fifth, Asadorian lifted the go-ahead sac fly to bring in Keegan Goddard.The offense did it with grit — six walks, smart baserunning, timely hitting, Dons 3 and Ugly Eagles 2.
On the mound, it was a one-two punch. “Blazing Brady” Quinn set the tone early, striking out three in a row in the bottom of the first. He worked two innings, limiting the Eagles to just two hits, three strikeouts nd two runs. Then came “Donkey” Austin McManamon, and he shut the door. They call him Donkey for a reason — he kicks hard and doesn’t let up. Every pitch felt like a hoof strike — five scoreless innings, four hits allowed, no walks, and one strikeout. Calm under pressure and relentless with every pitch, McManamon sealed the win. ALL IN-like a donkey that won’t back down!
Game 2: Total Domination
The Dons shut out Clayton Valley 4–0 behind a masterpiece from junior Branson Smith — known over the years on the mound as “B Money,” “B Ice,” and “B Eazy.” After this game, just call him “B Their Problem.” He was untouchable, tossing a complete-game shutout on just 73 pitches (52 for strikes), allowing only four hits, two strikeouts, and walking none. B ALL IN!
Behind him, the Dons defense was surgical. A slick double play from sophomores Jimmy Cusumano and Tyler Winkles in the second set the tone, and from there, it was lockdown baseball. Asadorian flashed the leather at third, while Gonzo, Butner, and Goddard patrolled the outfield like a pack of guard dogs.
At the plate, the Dons poured it on. Senior David Gonzales was electric — two hits, two runs, including a scorched double. Goddard roped a double of his own, and RB-Isaac Copen brought him home. In the sixth, Gonzo decided to lace his other double, Cusumano drove him in, and Patitucci followed with a shot to the left with the scoreboard reading 4–0. Clutch hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a hunger that doesn’t fade. ALL IN AND THEN SOME.
These weren’t just wins. It was ‘pretty‘ obvious who wanted it more over the Ugly Eagles…US! It is a warning: the Dons are locked in, and they’re coming for more.
Next Up: The Real Test — And a Chance to Rise Higher
- This week, everything’s on the line. Acalanes faces off against league-leading College Park — 6–2 and sitting at the top of the Diablo-Foothill standings.
- Tuesday is Senior Day. A moment to celebrate the Class of 2025 and everything they’ve given this program. Senior Celebration is at 3:45 PM at home. Be there.
- Thursday, the Dons travel to College Park and fans should too! Then Friday, they return home to host San Ramon Valley.
- These games will define the season. The Dons are built for this moment — and with Dons Nation behind them, anything is possible.