The Acalanes Freshman Baseball team split the games in their doubleheader versus Berkeley, suffering their first loss of the season 7-2 in the first game before rebounding to win the second game 15-3. Austin Wampler led the team with 3 hits, including a double and triple, and 4 RBIs for the day.
Jake Megibow got the start in game 1, pitching 3 innings and giving up just 2 earned runs with 6 Ks. In the bottom of the 1st, Acalanes was able to tie the game 1-1 by scratching a run home on Ben Pecci’s delayed steal following an ill-advised throw from the Berkeley Catcher to 1st. Berkeley pulled away for good with 1 run in the second inning, and added to the lead in the 5thinning, scoring 4 runs due to some uncharacteristically shaky defense behind pitcher Cole Gwaltney. Jake Colaco came in to close, pitching 2 perfect innings with 3 Ks, but by that point the game was out of reach. For the game, Acalanes pitchers surrendered seven walks, and the team had five errors versus no errors for the sure-handed Berkeley team.
Perhaps due to some good home cooking between games by the Megibow, Wampler, and Bishop families, game 2 took on an entirely different complexion. Brendan Miles took the team on his shoulders, throwing a complete game. He took a no hitter into the 4th inning and ended the game giving up one earned run while scattering 3 hits and 1 walk with 7Ks.
The offense got going early. After doubling to start the bottom of the 2nd inning, Michael Hamilton scored the first run following a bases loaded walk to Cole Gwaltney. Cole later scored on a rocket to the shortstop off the bat of David Gonzales. Cruz Lopez drove in 3 runs for the game, including a 2 run bases clearing double in the bottom of the 3rd. Acalanes broke the game open with 9 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning. 14 batters came to the plate in the inning, including Trevor McCarthy, who helped keep the line moving with a 2-run line drive to left field. Will Roberts drew a walk in the inning, and another in the 6th inning following a 10-pitch battle.
The team is off next weekend, and then travels to Brentwood for their first road games of the season to face Liberty High on March 12th.