One hard fought win sandwiched between two lopsided losses – with another game rained out – made for a very fast paced week for the Escalon varsity baseball team.
They opened up with a March 3 game against Linden, falling 10-1.
“The team made a lot of errors and we just didn’t play a good game,” admitted head coach Gino Franceschetti. “Linden played well and capitalized on our mistakes.”
Wednesday, a scheduled contest with Downey was rained out, but the Cougars did get back on the field Thursday, as they hosted the Enochs Eagles.
“We played really well and won 6-3,” Franceschetti said. “That was the first time our team showed what we can do.”
Escalon trailed early, giving up two runs in the top of the first, but battled back and used some timely ‘small ball’ hitting, moving the runners along, to get back in the game and ultimately take the lead.
“Ryan Murphy had a great hitting day with two hits and two RBI,” said the coach. “Ian Burk didn’t have his best outing but he was able to get people out after the first inning.”
The team as a whole, Franceschetti added, did what they had to do to earn the victory.
“They played great defense and we executed our assignments on offense,” he explained.
Lorenzo Teixeira came on in relief of Burk late in the game and a couple of nice outfield catches by Treye Ingram and Ben Gonzalez helped get the win on the books.
“Friday we played East Union and we faced a really good pitcher and we didn’t have an answer for him,” admitted Franceschetti, as his team lost a 10-0 decision at home to the Lancers. “We were hanging around until the fifth inning but then they put the beating on us.”
Unable to get much going offensively, Franceschetti said they just need to take away from the contest what they can.
“He may have been the best pitcher we have faced this year so it was good for the boys to see; we can learn from it. It’s not like we played bad; East Union just had a great game and they were the better team that day,” the coach said. “Just a day for us to learn from going into league this week.”
Escalon’s varsity boys ended the preseason at 6-5 and open up Trans-Valley League action at home, hosting Sonora on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 p.m.
They then play at Sonora on Friday, March 14.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Head coach Carlos Herrera said the JV Cougar boys went 4-5 through their preseason campaign, with losses to Linden, 6-2; Grace Davis, 7-6; Linden, 8-7; Enochs, 8-4; and East Union, 5-2. The JV boys won their games over Ceres, 8-2; Merced, 12-3; Buhach Colony, 13-4; and Livingston, 14-5.
“Preseason went well, had ups and downs but I’m happy with how the team progressed,” said Herrera.
This year’s squad features 11 freshmen and seven sophomores.
“Our leaders this season are Drew Hagan, Ethan Haskin and Cole Elsholz,” the coach said. “Drew plays centerfield and bats third for us, Ethan is our number one pitcher and Cole is our leadoff man and holds down right field. Each bring a valuable piece to the team and I’m excited for the year.”
The JV boys play at home against Sonora on Wednesday, then travel to face the Wildcats on Friday.
