LOS ALAMITOS – The Los Alamitos baseball team scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to propel the Griffins to a 5-3 win over Long Beach Wilson in a nonleague game Saturday afternoon.
The Griffins, who improved their record to 7-0-2, did not play a particularly sharp game. They committed four defensive errors that led to three runs for Wilson and left numerous runners on base.
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Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Griffins put together a rally against Bruins left-handed reliever Cooper George. Los Alamitos loaded the bases with two walks and a single with one out.
Los Alamitos designated hitter Sutton Dennino, who struck out in his two previous at-bats, stepped up and ripped a single into center field that brought in James Reveles and Devin Porch from third and second, respectively, giving the Griffins a 4-3 lead.
Dennino, a senior, spoke about his approach during that pivotal at-bat.
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“It was huge,” Dennino said of his clutch hit. “These guys (Wilson) came at it today, they were battling. All I was doing was going up there, get a good pitch to hit, stay confident, not stress too much, and drive it the other way. Luckily, I did that and got the team a big hit.”
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Los Alamitos added another run later in the inning. Senior outfielder Wyatt Joyce hit a triple down the left-field line that drove in pinch-runner Logan Wyler from first base, giving the Griffins a 5-3 lead.
The Bruins (5-5) tried to put together a rally in the seventh inning. They got two hits off relief pitcher Logan Anderson, but the right-hander struck out George to end the game with the potential tying run at first base. Anderson earned a save for the Griffins.
Los Alamitos coach Scott Talanoa wasn’t thrilled with how his team played at times, especially the errors and leaving many runners on base, but thought it was a good test.
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“I think it’s a good builder for us right now,” Talanoa said. “We’ve played some good competition and we’ve been behind before, and the guys all know we need to get that next guy to the plate. We left nine guys on base, in scoring position with less than two outs, so it’s going to be a topic of conversation we’re going to have on Monday.
“We’ve been doing really well all year; I’d rather have this game now than have it in a league (game).”
The Bruins never retired the top two batters in the Griffins lineup. Porch went 1 for 1 with three walks, two stolen bases, and two runs scored, and junior Rowan Shelley walked in all four of his plate appearances and scored a run.
Los Alamitos senior right-hander Jack Lorenz pitched five innings with five strikeouts, allowed three runs (0 earned) on five hits.
Wilson took advantage of Los Alamitos’ fielding mistakes.
Trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, the Bruins scored twice on a throwing error by first baseman Shelley. The errant throw allowed Gram Ludwig and Cade Miller to score from third and second, respectively, to give the Bruins a 3-2 lead/
Wilson coach Andy Hall spoke about the loss and how his team gave itself a chance to win.
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“Los Al was not crisp defensively,” Hall said, “they gave us a few runs. I think we were opportunistic in getting those runs. Then a couple of miscues on defense that led to a couple of big innings for them…We told the kids, we’re going to win a lot more games where you don’t beat yourself, than when the other team comes out and beats you.”
Ludwig went 2 for 3 with a run scored and Miller went 1 for 3 with a run scored. Rudy Carlos Jr. went 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored for Wilson.
Wilson starter Ben Howard pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowed two runs (0 earned) on two hits, five walks and two strikeouts.
George pitched 2 1/3 innings and surrendered three earned runs on three hits, four walks and two strikeouts.
