In biggest game of league season, Casa Grande scores early and takes advantage of chances to beat Vintage
By Kyle Foster
Follow on Twitter/X: @NapaKyle @NapaSportsNews
Baseball will be a brutal game. It’s also fair to point out that every win must be earned. If you want something, you’ve got to take it. That’s just how sports work.
On Tuesday afternoon at Crusher Diamond, it appeared that visiting Casa Grande of Petaluma was playing with their backs up against the wall as they were able to push the Vine Valley Athletic League baseball race to the final day with a 5-0 win over Vintage.
The Gauchos (16-6 overall, 8-3 VVAL) swung the momentum in a scoreless game their way when they pushed three across in the third. It all began when Kalen Clemmens walked and got to second on a single by Austin Steeves to put runners at first and second. Then, a single by Danny Mercado brought in Clemmens, where Mercado got to second on the throw to the plate. Steves and Mercado both came in on a single by Jack Hu.
“They cracked it and they got up on top,” Vintage head coach Billy Smith explained of the importance of the game’s first runs in the third inning. “If you get up on top with a good pitcher on your side, in a tight game like this, it helps. It puts the gas pedal down on the other team.”
Casa Grande added two more in the fourth to take control of the contest. Ryan Rice and Jeffrey Rice walked to begin the inning and each moved up a base when Clemmens singled to load the bases. Both Rices came in when JT Summers reached by way of an error.
The Gauchos also got hits when it mattered the most. While they still left 8 runners on base in the game, they were 3 of 10 hitting with runners in scoring position as well.
Meanwhile, Vintage (13-9, 9-2 VVAL) had numerous chances to change the game. They had opportunities in every inning of the contest, which made it all the more painful.
Their first came in the first when Ian Fernandez singled and was followed by walks to Blake Porter and John Bullock. But the next two batters struck out to end the chance.
Another opportunity came in the second with two outs when Austin Buffler reached on an infield single and Dario Freschi walked. A strikeout then ended the inning.
Again in the third, Porter walked and swiped second. But the inning ended when the next three batters all got out.
They set the table again in the fourth when Lucas Henry walked and got to second on a wild pitch and Freschi again walked to put runners at first and second. However, both would be stranded after a flyout.
Once again, the Crushers loaded the sacks in the fifth when Bullock walked and was followed by singles James Burgess and Miles Tenscher. All three would be stranded after the next two batters struck out.
In the sixth, Fernandez and Porter each reached on infield singles with two outs and were stranded after a groundout ended the inning.
Lastly, Burgess and Jack Chiu walked to set up a chance in the seventh. Both would be stranded after the game ended on a strikeout.
In the game, Vintage left a whopping 15 runners on base. They were also 0-for-12 hitting with runners in scoring position.
Leading the Crushers offense on the day were Fernandez (2-for-4), Porter (1-for-2 stolen base, 2 walks), Burgess (1-for-3 walk), Tenscher (1-for-3), and Buffler (1-for-3).
Getting the win on the hill for Casa Grande was Brady Laubscher. The junior worked 5 innings where he struck out 11 and walked 7. He hurled 109 pitches and gave up 4 hits on the way to his 7th winning decision of the season.
Taking the loss for the Crushers was Charlie Alcayaga. The senior righty worked 2 frames where he gave up 4 hits and threw 41 pitches. He also walked 3 and struck out 1 while surrendering 4 earned runs.
With the result, both teams have locked into the VVAL tournament next week. It’s just a matter of seeding. As a result of the game, Thursday’s game at 4 pm will be winner-take-all for the league crown. Vintage can either win the title by two games or Casa Grande will win via the tiebreaker of winning both games. This comes after Sonoma Valley beat Petaluma 4-3 to take Petaluma out of the running for the title.
“This is what you want to play for you want your meaningful games to be done right now, and that’s right where we want to be,” Smith said of the excitement of the league title coming down to the last game. “Last game of the season, you’re playing for a league title. Can’t ask for anything more than that.”
In the other VVAL game on Tuesday afternoon, American Canyon beat Justin-Siena 10-5.
