Palo Alto’s Spencer Rojahn and Sacred Heart Prep’s Angelo Tonas each pitched superbly Friday and neither of them were around for the decision.
Palo Alto scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth and beat visiting Homestead, 3-1, in a Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division contest.
Sacred Heart Prep never did score a run but extended its Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division contest to 10 innings before falling to host Hillsdale, 1-0.
Rojahn allowed a run on three hits over his five innings. He struck out six and walked one. Rojahn was on the hook for the loss until the Vikings (12-5, 6-1) rallied in the sixth.
Paul Thie was hit by a pitch to start the inning. After stealing second base, he scored when Niko Lillios ripped a double down the left field line. Lillios advanced to third on a groundout and Max Jung-Goldberg was walked intentionally.
Jung-Goldberg and Lillios then executed a double steal, with Lillios scoring the go-ahead run. Nathan Willis singled home Jung-Goldberg.
Dean Casey set down all six batters he faced, striking out two, to nab the victory.
Josh Kasevich added two hits for the Vikings, who host Los Altos in a league contest Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Tonas allowed four hits over 7 2/3 innings and fought through six walks. He struck out five. The Gators turned four double plays and caught a runner trying to steal home before Hillsdale won with a bases-loaded single.
Eric DeBrine led off the fifth inning with Sacred Heart Prep’s lone hit. John McGrory drew a walk in the third and Yianni Gardner was hit by a pitch in the fourth. Those were all the baserunners Jason Alba allowed in his seven innings. He retired the last nine in succession.
The loss dropped Sacred Heart Prep into a first-place tie with Carlmont. The teams meet next week, with the Scots (9-7, 4-1) visiting Sacred Heart Prep on Wednesday for a 4 p.m. contest.
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports