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Coyotes can't overcome Barstow's big 2nd

By Nathan Ahle, The Daily Independent

Adam Auer

The Cerro Coso Coyotes baseball team fell to 2-2 in Foothill Conference play Thursday in Barstow with a 10-7 loss to the Barstow College Vikings.

The Achilles' heel for the Coyotes (2-2 Foothill) in the game was the seven-run Barstow second inning off starter Adam Garner. Just as in last week's Thursday game against College of the Desert, the Coyotes found themselves far behind early in the game, but were unable to recover.

Cerro Coso had its chances in the later innings, but were unable to draw even. The Coyotes left a total of nine men on base in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth innings but managed only a three-run seventh.

"It's just frustrating," said Coyotes Head Coach Dick Adams. "We just don't have nine wheels clicking right now."

The Coyote offense was prolific but not timely. Cerro Coso pounded 15 hits, with eight starters collecting hits and six players with more than one hit.

Catcher Adam Auer drove in two runs with his 1-for-4 effort, while centerfielder Liam Tennant went 2-for-5.

Paul Saville added a 3-for-5 effort, while Andrew Masojc, Kyle Cooper, Matt Smith, and Tyler Curran each had two hits.

Garner, who started the season in a relief role but took the mound for his first start of the year, was ineffective and pitched only into the third inning. Greg Byron took over in his second effective long relief appearance in two weeks, allowing four hits and two runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Urbano Sanchez pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for the Coyotes and allowed an earned run on two hits.

The Coyotes will host Barstow Saturday at the Dawg Yard beginning at noon. Matt Smith will pitch the seven-inning opening game, while Aaron Keplinger will try to improve to 4-1 on the young season with his start in the second game, which is scheduled for nine innings. After the Barstow series, the Coyotes will face the Chaffey College Panthers for a three-game series beginning next Thursday.