Wolves falter in pitcher's duel
Casa Roble beats Wolves to force pivotal 3rd game in Division 4 semifinals
The Woodland High School varsity baseball team had a chance to clinch a berth into the finals of the 2023 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs but ultimately fell short at Casa Roble.
The Wolves (19-4) had their 14game winning streak snapped on Wednesday afternoon in Orangevale, following a narrow 2-1 loss to the Rams (19-12). Woodland and Casa Roble will play a decisive third and final game of the series Thursday afternoon at Clark Field with a ticket to the D4 section finals on the line.
“They came out and wanted it more,” proclaimed Wolves coach Danny Eoff. “They battled the elements, we all played in the same, hot sun. They made less mistakes.”
The Rams are a familiar foe, as both teams play in the Golden Empire League. Woodland swept a threegame set from Casa Roble during the regular season, including a 6-5 victory in extra innings on April 20 in Orangevale.
The Wolves prevailed over the Rams in dramatic fashion once again on Monday in the Woodland, walking-off with a 9-8 win. However, Casa Roble earned redemption Wednesday to even the series and keep its season alive.
“Their backs were up against the wall and they played like it. I think we came in a little lazy, taking things a little too lightly,” Eoff explained. “Making mistakes on the base paths, a couple physical errors.”
Woodland scored early on Wednesday with one run in the top of the first inning. Senior center fielder Derrick Fisher successfully got on base after an error by Rams senior shortstop Ben Tercero.
Fisher advanced into scoring position at third following a single by senior catcher Carter Imbach. Se
nior pitcher Austin Stapleton knocked in the Wolves' lone run with a sacrifice fly to center field, giving his team an early 1-0 advantage.
Casa Roble scored two runs in the bottom of the third frame to ultimately win 2-1. Tercero led off the inning being hit by a pitch to reach base. Following two outs, senior outfielder E.D. Winfield singled up the middle to tie the game. Junior outfielder Connor Anderson then doubled to right center field to score Winfield as the Wolves were unable to make the diving catch.
Stapleton (6-2) got the start on the bump for Woodland and suffered the loss. The senior tossed six innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, two walks, one stolen base and one HBP with four strikeouts on 89 pitches.
The Wolves more than doubled the Rams with eight hits. Imbach, Fisher and senior first baseman Anthony Santos each went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double.
“Austin Stapleton threw a three-hitter, he shouldn't have a loss,” Eoff said. “When Stapleton is pitching a game like that, only giving up three hits and two runs, I think we got enough hits, we just didn't get the timely hits. It didn't go our way today.”
Woodland and Casa Roble will face off Thursday for the final time this season. The winner advances to the D4 section title game.
“Unfortunately, this time of year we shouldn't have to, but we have to clean up the little things,” Eoff explained. “We didn't execute. Hopefully it was a one time, fluke thing and tomorrow we come back with our A-game forward. Now one of us is going home tomorrow.”
First pitch at Clark Field is scheduled for 4 p.m.
“We're going to wake up tomorrow, it's going to be a new day and hopefully we come out with a new result,” Eoff foreshadowed.