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Cerro Coso wins 'war' with Barstow

By Nathan Ahle, The Daily Independent

DAILY INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY MIKE DELANEY
The Cerro Coso Coyotes improved to 4-1 with a 19-11 win over Barstow Saturday, completing a doubleheader sweep of the Vikings. DAILY INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY MIKE DELANEY

The Cerro Coso Coyotes like playing Foothill Conference Saturday doubleheaders.

Cerro Coso swept its second twinbill in two weeks Saturday, taking the nightcap of a doubleheader at the Dawg Yard with a 19-11 win over Barstow.

"The score looks like a blowout, but the game was a war," said Coyotes Head Coach Dick Adams.

Freshman Aaron Keplinger started the game for the Dawgs, but was ineffective, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits in a four-inning stint. Kade McAllister came to the rescue, striking out six and keeping Cerro Coso in the game over the next five innings.

"McAllister pitched exceptionally well," Adams said.

The Coyotes and Vikings went back and forth, with several lead changes taking place over the first six innings of play. The Cerro Coso offense continued an explosion that resulted in 36 runs in two games, led by Matt Smith's two-run home run in the fourth inning and a two-run shot by Rodney Black in the fifth. Black's homer gave the Dawgs a 9-8 lead, but Barstow would regain the advantage with two runs of their own in the top of the sixth.

Cerro Coso battled right back with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead for good.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Coyotes broke the game open with a seven-run frame. Matt Smith walked to begin the inning and reached second on a throwing error. Adam Auer singled, scoring Smith. After a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Curran, Tony Teixeira tripled, scoring Auer. Paul Saville was intentionally walked to set up a double play, but the move backfired when Saville scored after a hit by Norm Love. Love went to second base on an error by the Barstow catcher and moved to third on a passed ball, and scored when Black singled. After Andrew Masojc reached base, Liam Tennant singled him in along with Black, contributing to Tennant's 4-for-6, 4 RBI effort. Tennant later scored after Smith reached on an error.

The Coyotes will have a difficult test ahead of them this week, as they begin a three-game series with the undefeated Chaffey College Panthers. The two teams will play Thursday at the Dawg Yard at 2 p.m. and will travel to Chaffey for a weekend doubleheader.

March 15, 2005