Coyotes split twinbill with Rio Hondo
By Nathan Ahle, The Daily Independent
The Cerro Coso Coyotes took on Rio Hondo College Roadrunners Saturday
afternoon at the Dawg Yard, and split a crucial Foothill Conference
doubleheader.
The Coyotes lost the first game 4-2, as ace Ryan Penn (5-3) took the
loss.
The Coyotes and Roadrunners battled to a 1-1 tie through five innings,
but Rio Hondo took the game in the sixth and seventh innings. Cerro Coso
mounted a comeback with a run in the bottom of the seventh, but the team
fell just short.
In the nightcap, Matt Smith pitched a complete game to earn his second
win of the season.
"Smith pitched effectively," said Coyotes Head Coach Dick Adams.
Caleb Gallagher was the offensive star of the second game, going 5-for-5
with four RBI's. Gallagher collected six hits in eight at-bats in the
doubleheader.
After the game, Adams was happy to salvage a game in the doubleheader,
but was concerned, primarily about the health of his players. Cerro Coso
has been without a trainer this season due to budget cuts, and the
absence of Rob Hibberts is starting to take its toll, as players are
suffering from costly injuries.
"We're banged up, and we don't have a trainer to help us recover," said
Adams, "It's not fair to the kids."
Kip Keith is suffering from a knee injury, Nick Wagner's hamstring is
causing problems, and Smith has been suffering from swelling in his
pitching hand. The limited mobility especially hurts for the
outfielders.
Cerro Coso will try to recover from its injuries and battle with Victor
Valley, with a home game Thursday afternoon.
March 21, 2004
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© 2004
The Daily Independent. Used by permission.
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