Trojans drop 3-1 decision

Lower Lake, Saints finish suspended NCL I contest

LOWER LAKE >> The Lower Lake Trojans and St. Helena Saints came together Wednesday to complete a game suspended Friday in the bottom of the fourth inning because of rain, and the two teams needed only 45 minutes to do it.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, the final result was a 3-1 loss that ends their North Central League I varsity baseball season at 3-11.

The game resumed where it left off, with Lower Lake trailing 2-1 and batting in the bottom of the fourth inning with a runner at second base and one out. That runner moved up to third, still with just one out, when play resumed Wednesday, but the Trojans stranded him there.

Even more frustrating for the Trojans and head coach Mark Peterson was the bottom of the fifth inning when one-out backto-back walks and a double steal had Lower Lake in position to tie the game or take the lead.

“And I had my No. 2, 3 and 4 guys coming up,” Peterson said.

The threat ended with a strikeout and groundout.

St. Helena scored an unearned run in the top of the sixth to go up 3-1. The Trojans went down in order in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings.

Jordan O’Keefe started the game on Friday before play was suspended and he came back Wednesday to finish it. He allowed just thee hits and one earned run while striking out five and walking three. He also had one of only two Lower Lake hits — Edward Rodriguez had the other.

“He pitched beautifully,” Peterson said. “He’s been solid all year.”

During the final 3 ½ innings completed Wednesday, there was

only one hit between the two teams, an infield single by St. Helena in the top of the seventh.

Lower Lake, now overall, has yet to 7-14 win at home this season and the Trojans get their final chance Thursday when they host the Potter Valley Bearcats of the NCL III at 4 p.m. The Trojans will honor their seasons before the start of the season finale.

“It sure would be nice to finally win one at home,” Peterson said.