YANKEES WIN AAA CROWN
In a battle of two 8-2-1 teams, the Yankees came through in the clutch at the right time.
Playing the Orioles in the Lodi Boys and Girls Sports’ AAA baseball championship game at Salas Park on Wednesday, the Yankees, who trailed 2-0 after the first inning, erupted for 16 hits in a 16-8 win to capture the crown.
“They’ve been a strong team,” said Yankees coach Shanon Cabebe of his squad. “These kids have played together. A group of great kids.”
In their first at-bat, the Orioles jumped out to their only lead of the game when lead-off hitter Richard Chism and Adam Koponew singled. Chism scored on Koponew’s hit, and Koponew came home on a grounder.
The Yankees cut the Orioles’ lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the first inning. Elder Escamilla singled to left field. After stealing second and third bases, Escamilla touched home plate when teammate Jesse Pilcher also singled to left field.
The bases were loaded for the Orioles in the top of the second inning, thanks to a double from Andrew Mehaton, a fielder’s choice and walk. But the Yankees got out of the jam thanks to a strike out and play at home plate.
In the bottom of the third inning, the Yankees sent 14 batters to the plate that led to 11 runs on eight hits and a 12-2 lead.
The go-ahead run came when Julian Raya, who went 3-for-3 at the plate, singled and scored on Esquivel’s single. The game was knot-
ted at 2-2 when Daniel Valdez singled and scored on Raya’s second base hit.
By the time the Yankees were done batting, eight hits were accounted for, one of which included a double to centerfield by Colin Cabebe, plus a walk, hit batter and two dropped third strikes.
But the Orioles never gave up, and showed throughout the game. They scored four runs to cut the Yankees’ advantage to 12-6, thanks to a double by Angel
Landa, and base hits from Chism, Koponew and Ethan Gorham.
In their third plate appearance, the Yankees responded — again — with two runs to make it 14-6. They had three hits that included a double to right-center field by Pilcher. Escamilla and Joey Ydrogo had the other hits.
The Yankees’ last two runs were in the bottom of the fourth inning off two singles, along with two stolen bases and walk.
On the mound, Escamilla tossed four of the six innings, striking out five Orioles and scattered six hits.
“He stays in there, cool as can be,” said Cabebe of Escamilla. (His fastball) right down the middle. The kids either hit it, or don’t hit it.”
The Orioles, who had nine hits in the game, scored a run each in the fourth and fifth frames.
In the sixth, they had runners at third and second. But a grounder and fielder’s choice ended the game and gave the Yankees the crown.