Napa takes advantage of free base runners, uses five-run first to beat Elite in second to last game of season
By Kyle Foster
Follow on Twitter/X: @NapaKyle @NapaSportsNews
There are days when you have to do everything in your power to come away with a win. In those games, that team likely could’ve played better as well.
On Monday afternoon, this is what the Napa High baseball team did when they were able to muster just enough offense to beat Elite Charter School of Vallejo, 10-5, in an end-of-season non-league game played at Mount Field.
The Grizzlies (9-14) opened up the game by scoring five and making it appear as if it was going to be a quick and easy game. Mason Bartlett reached on an error and was followed by walks to Drew Herbert and Collin Taylor to load the bases. When Trent Adams walked, Bartlett scored. That was followed by a single by Joey Payne, which brought in Herbert and Taylor. Dylan Chatham walked then Payne scored when Logan Draper reached on an error where the throw also got away. Chatham scored when Francisco Robinson grounded into a fielder’s choice.
“We were happy with how we came out offensively,” Napa High interim head coach Dustin Green said of the first inning. “Kind of had a nice big five spot for us in that bottom of the first and that’s a good feeling.”
Napa added a pair of runs in the second as well to go up 7-4. Adams opened up the inning with a single and stole second before getting to third on a wild pitch. Payne walked and stole second to put a pair of runners in scoring position for Chatham who brought both in on a single.
In the fifth, Napa scored their final three runs of the game to go up 10-5. Taylor was hit by a pitch and stole second. He then got to third on a single by Payne. A single by Chatham brought in Taylor and got Payne to third. Then, a balk brought in Payne and put Chatham at third before scoring on a single by Draper.
“Our hitters showed good patience today,” Green said of the way they were able to put up runs without tons of power. “At times, their pitchers were struggling to locate a little bit. Our hitters recognized that and dialed back the aggression and were more patient and waiting for their pitch.”
Leading the Grizzlies’ offense in the game were Chatham (2-for-3 walk, 2 runs, 2 RBIs), Adams (2-for-3 walk, stolen base, run, RBI), Jake Newman (1-for-2), Payne (1-for-3 walk, 2 stolen bases, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Taylor (1-for-3 walk, stolen base, 2 runs), and Draper (1-for-3 walk, RBI).
Napa could’ve scored more runs to extend some rallies in the game but they ran into a lot of outs on the bases to end those scoring chances.
“We did what we needed to do,” Green pointed out. “I thought our at-bats were good. I thought we got the job done offensively with the bats. I thought we made a few mistakes on the bases, which minimized some of our earnings on offense. But ultimately, we took good ABs today and we put up 10 runs, which we’re happy with.”
Elite (5-12) made it a one-run game in the second when they scored four times to go down 5-4. They also scored a run in the fifth.
This game was much more competitive than the first time the teams met on March 11th when Napa won 14-3 in a five-inning mercy rule game.
“Give a lot of credit to that program and those coaches over there for real,” Green added. “They were a different team this time around. It really looks like they’re getting the most out of those guys and they played a good game today. So credit to them and what they’re doing over there.”
Getting the win in the game was Robinson. The lefty worked the first 3 innings of the game where he struck out 3 as well. The sophomore also allowed 6 hits and 4 earned runs in the game. This was his fourth win on the bump of the season.
Camden Aldous worked the next 3 frames of the game. The senior righty struck out 6 and walked just 1 while allowing 2 hits. He also allowed 2 runs to score, with one of them being earned.
Working the final inning was Camden Aaen who struck out 3 and walked 2.
With the league season now over, Napa is using their bye week to get some extra games in. It’s also a chance to send their seniors out on a high note. They are also looking for a double-digit win season.
“Really just trying to get these guys to embrace these last moments together as a team as the season,” Green explained of the goal of the final two games, which are both non-league contests. “This season for our seniors especially to make them have fun, make these last two games a positive experience, and just leave it all out there on the field.”
They will end the season with Senior Day on Wednesday at 4 pm when they host old Monticello Empire League rival Armijo-Faifield.
