On Tuesday, the Acalanes Varsity baseball team hosted the College Park Falcons in a high stakes game. The Dons needed to sweep the Falcons on Tuesday and Thursday to win the DAL title. Prior to the game, the 12 seniors on the team (L to R: Dominic Patitucci, David Gonzales, Jake Colaco, Nicky Fosina, Brady Quinn, Hank Bauer, James Stadt, Anderson Butner, Ben Pecci, Keegan Goddard, David Roux, and Brendan Miles) were recognized in a well orchestrated ceremony.
Brady started the game on the bump and pitched two dominant innings, giving up no runs on 1 hit and no walks. In the bottom of the first inning, the Dons put together a 2 out rally as Keegan walked, stole second, Junior Isaac Copen singled up the middle, and Gonzo hit a ball down the 3B line to score Keegan. 1-0 Dons.
Sophomore Austin McManamon took over on the mound in the 3rd inning. He ended up giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk in 3 2/3 innings before handling the ball over to Junior Cody Michlitsch, who was able to coax a fly out to end the threat in the top of the 6th. The Dons chipped away at the Falcons lead in the bottom of the 6th inning as Sophomore Tyler Winkles led off with a double, then Sophomore Jimmy Cusumano and Dom walked, followed by Ando hitting a single to score a run. 3-2 Dons. A new pitcher came into the game for the Falcons inheriting a bases loaded jam with no outs, and was able to get out of it on a pop out that led to a double play, and then a fly out.
In the bottom of the 7th inning, the Falcons brought in their Ace who nearly touches 90 mph on his fastball. Isaac proceeded to hit a single, Ben came in to pinch run and stole second and got to third on a wild pitch. That set the table for Gonzo, who tied the game 3-3 on a clutch single that sent the game to extra innings. In the top of the 8th inning, the Falcons hit a lead off double down the left field line. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runner to third, the Dons intentionally walked the next two batters, and then the leadoff batter hit a rope over Stadt’s head. That hit put the Falcons up 5-3, which ended up being the game winner.
Although I took the season off from writing baseball articles to write for my daughter’s varsity lacrosse team, I decided to write this one, my 38th and final baseball article, to acknowledge all of these great seniors. I have seen many of them play on teams with or against my son since they were about 6 years old, going from Tee-Ball to Farm, Instructional, AA, AAA, Majors, AB, and Acalanes, with a bit of travel ball mixed in along the way. I am sure none of us will ever forget the memories of seeing them set the Acalanes school record by opening the season last year on a 17 game win streak and finishing in the final 4 in NCS D1 playoffs, or traveling with them to iconic places like Cooperstown, Omaha, Arizona, Napa, the MLB stadium replica fields in Manteca, and far away fields with the portable mounds and scorching hot temperatures (Ripon in July anyone?).
I will miss all the great times being in the stands, covering such topics as how we would set the lineup or what the team should do in different situations, politely questioning the umpire’s ball or strike calls, debating whether the play should be recorded as a hit or error in GameChanger, or laughing at non-sequitur comments like the one I heard yesterday “Did you hear the Menendez brothers got resentenced to life in prison?” Fortunately we can all take solace knowing that we will still be able to reminisce for years to come over drinks about how an overturned call by the 12 year old umpire in a little league game cost [insert team’s name] the game or how [insert son’s name] had a clutch hit to LF in the AB house regular season game in 2019.
I know there is no crying in baseball, but it is difficult not to get emotional thinking how great the ride has been and how sad it is that many of the boys are ending their baseball careers in the coming days (it didn’t help that a few of us were sharing old pictures and videos the night before this game). It has truly been an honor to watch them play this game, America’s pastime, for all these years through the ups and downs. We should all be thankful, and take comfort knowing that we have developed life long memories and friendships because of it. Go Dons!
Please come cheer on the boys as they travel to Pleasant Hill to take on College Park today (5/15) at 4:30pm
In addition to the epic 2024 Season, Hank’s favorite Acalanes baseball moments were team dinners and hanging with the guys.
Anderson’s favorite Acalanes baseball moments were the team Saturday runs and breakfast at Sunrise Bistro.
Jake’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was pitching against Petaluma his junior year.
Nicky’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was his extra-inning walk-off against Alhambra.
Keegan’s favorite Acalanes baseball moments were morning runs on the weekends with the team and getting breakfast after.
David’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was hitting a home run last year.
Brendan’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was when he was a sophomore on JV and pitched against Benicia with his family in attendance.
Dominic’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was last week against Clayton Valley, when he threw a runner out stealing 2nd.
David’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was hitting a home run his freshman year at Miramonte in front of his family.
Ben’s favorite Acalanes baseball moment was conditioning with Coach JJ as a freshman.
Brady’s favorite Acalanes baseball moments were hanging out with the other pitchers in the bullpen.
James’ favorite Acalanes baseball moments were Saturday morning runs with the team.
Additional photos from senior day can be found here: