The Los Alamitos High baseball team opened the season at 3-0, after an 8-3 win over Villa Park in a Loara Tournament game on Saturday at Los Alamitos High.
The Griffins got 4 1/3 solid innings from sophomore pitcher Jacob Nix, as the Griffins took a 6-0 lead after four innings. A two-out rally for four runs in the bottom of the fourth put the Griffins in solid control.
The Los Alamitos High baseball team opened the season at 3-0, after an 8-3 win over Villa Park in a Loara Tournament game on Saturday at Los Alamitos High.
The Griffins got 4 1/3 solid innings from sophomore pitcher Jacob Nix, as the Griffins took a 6-0 lead after four innings. A two-out rally for four runs in the bottom of the fourth put the Griffins in solid control.
Junior Cody Marshall led off the inning with a single and senior catcher Andrew Yazdanbakhsh reached on an error. Junior Christian Colburn walked and senior Daniel Austin doubled to clear the bases and push the lead to 5-0. Junior Brendan Heffern would cap the rally with a single. Griffin coach Matt Nuez said that the Griffins have gotten off to a solid start because of contributions from across the roster.
“I’m pleased, it’s an overall effort, that’s what it is, top to bottom everyone is contributing and working very diligently, that’s why we’re having some success right now,” Nuez said.
The Griffins have a solid nucleus of returning leadership and young talent and Nuez said it has meshed well. He noted that since fall ball and through off-season workouts, the players have bought into the system and it is showing results early. He said it has been a process and that they are working the process step by step.
“It’s fun, it’s a real close mix,” Nuez said.
The Griffins have leadership in key positions this season, led by their top two pitchers in seniors Michael Farris and Troy Rallings. When not on the mound, Farris will see a lot of time at third base. Behind the plate is Yazdanbakhsh, another key players who is expected to anchor the defense.
Junior Frank Padulo will be another key infield leader and senior outfielder Patrick Ivison will patrol center field.
Against Villa Park, the Griffins had taken a 2-0 lead in the second inning, when junior designated hitter Christian Colburn, Austin and Heffern strung together consecutive two-out singles. Austin was 2 for 2 with two runs scored. Colburn and Marshall also scored two runs apiece. Padula had two hits and a run. Nix gave up just three hits through four innings before surrendering two runs in the fifth and giving way to relief pitcher Garrett Hollingsworth.
The Griffins continue in the Loara Tournament this week with a game on Tuesday (past press time) and again on Thursday. Thursday’s opponent and location will be determined by Tuesday’s result.
