PV takes control early to beat Mira Costa
Sea Kings score eight runs in first two innings to earn the Bay League victory
MANHATTAN BEACH >> The Mira Costa and Palos Verdes baseball teams renewed their Bay League rivalry on Wednesday.
The Sea Kings jumped out to an 8-0 lead after the first two innings on the way to a 9-1 win.
The big blow for the Sea Kings (14-9, 4-1) was a tworun double by designated hitter Luke Bowen that scored Justin Camel and Lukas Lizdenis. Bowen had three RBIs in the game and second baseman Tyler Tellenbach had a two-run single to cap a six-run second inning.
“I think it was a great team win,” Bowen said. “We came out with fire and got some key hits and my boy Deaks (pitcher Stephen Deakins) did some great pitching today and we got a big win.
“Every game is important, we just come out trying to get a win each game. I totally believe in this squad. We are playing well right now and just need to keep it going on Friday.”
The teams will meet again today at Palos Verdes.
Palos Verdes started quickly against Mira Costa pitcher Alito McBean in the first inning.
Starting pitcher Stephen Deakins allowed one run in five innings in Palos Verdes' victory on Wednesday.
Camel led off with a walk and Lizdenis laid down a sacrifice bunt, but Mira Costa catcher Santino Garcia's throw went over the head of the first baseman, allowing the runners to advance to second and third base.
Bowen followed with a sacrifice fly to right field for the first run.
Just when it appeared as if McBean might escape the jam with limited damage, the ball got away from Garcia after a strikeout, allowing Lizdenis to score to make it 2-0.
The defensive problems for Mira Costa (12-9-1, 3-2) continued in the second inning.
After Shawn Leone walked to lead off the inning, he moved to third on a stolen base and a groundout, bringing up Noah Bandy. Bandy grounded back to McBean, but he threw the ball away at first, allowing Leone to score.
Bandy eventually ended up at third base and scored on a suicide squeeze by Lizdenis.
PV scored five unearned runs in the game thanks to four Mira Costa errors.
“Really bad baseball by us in the first two innings,” Mira Costa coach Andy Diver said. “We didn't pitch well, didn't catch the ball, not competitive on defense got us in a big hole early. You cant do that against a good team and expect to win.
“We will challenge them (the players) to work hard tomorrow, challenge them to flush this game and come back and play a competitive game Friday. We will be ready Friday, we will play good baseball on
Friday.”
Staked to an 8-0 lead, Deakins was lights-out for five innings. The PV senior allowed only one run on four hits with six strikeouts in five innings of work.
“I think I pitched alright,” Deakins said. “I struggled early with my slider, but got control of it and started to pitch better in the second inning. I just tried to throw strikes and get guys out and helped us get a big win.”
Deakins worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning.
Charlie O'Connor pitched 5 2/3 innings in relief for Mira Costa. He allowed one unearned run, four hits and struck out seven. Ace Tarango had two hits and stole two bases.