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Coyotes pounce on Rams

By Nathan Ahle, The Daily Independent

DAILY INDEPENDENT PHOTO

"Our team is like an animal that just couldn't pounce through, but when we did, we pounced."

Cerro Coso Coyotes Head Coach Dick Adams was very pleased with his team's performance in a Saturday doubleheader against the Victor Valley College Rams at the Dawg Yard, as his Coyotes regained a foothold in the Foothill Conference playoff race, winning 8-3 and 18-5, earning a sweep of the season series of the Rams.

The Coyotes got started early in the seven-inning opening game, with ace Matt Smith on the mound. Cerro Coso jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first two innings, and while Victor Valley cut the lead to one with a two-run third inning and a solo tally in the top of the fifth, the Coyotes broke the game open in the bottom half of the fifth.

With two men out, Norm Love and Rodney Black each singled. Andrew Masojc was hit by a pitch, and Smith singled in Love and Black. Adam Auer hit a ball to right field that was mishandled by the Rams' outfielder, allowing Masojc and Smith to score.

Smith pitched all seven innings in the game, allowing six hits, three runs, two earned runs, three walks and three strikeouts while earning another conference win. He also went 2-for-4 at the plate, as did Auer, who also drove in three runs and had the team's only extra-base hit.

In the nightcap, Cerro Coso turned on the offense in the first inning and did not let up. After three innings, the Dawgs led 5-1, and extended that advantage to 16-1 after six innings.

The highlight of the game was a nine-run fifth inning, capped by back-to-back home runs by Auer and Paul Saville. Auer's blast was a three-run shot, while Saville's solo homer was one of two the left-fielder hit on the day. Saville's career day featured a 5-for-6, 4 RBI performance, with two doubles to go along with the two home runs.

Coach Adams said that one of the keys to the game was Cerro Coso's ability to get the leadoff men on base in several innings, many of whom reached with extra base hits.

Kade McAllister started for Cerro Coso and pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight runs, five runs (three of which were earned), and striking out five. Chad Sherwood relieved and completed the seventh inning, allowing two hits, a walk and striking out a batter.

Adam Cyrynowski got into the game on the mound in the eighth inning and struck out one man in his frame, and Cory Rickets pitched the ninth inning and retired the side in order.

Cerro Coso pounded out 23 hits, including one by Adam Garner, normally a pitcher.

The Coyotes will host Antelope Valley College Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. in their next game.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005