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McAllister steps up in Coyote wins

By Tim Allen, Staff Reporter, The Daily Independent

“...I had an experienced hitter at the plate, an experienced runner at third and figured we could do it.”

GLENDALE - Baseball teams at any level always look to have that one guy they can go to on the mound to put a game away. And while five games isn't a lot to go on, its' clear that the “go to” guy for the Coyotes early on is Tyler McAllister.

McAllister notched his second win and first save of the year over the weekend, helping Cerro Coso runs its record to 3-2.

“He's got that low three-quarter arm delivery, said Coyote head coach Dick Adams of his sophomore reliever, “and he is really throwing well right now.”

McAllister was the recipient of the win in Friday's 6-5 win over Moorpark in 10 innings, helping Adams get the upper hand over his alma mater. After pitching a scoreless tenth and striking out two, the Coyotes rallied for a run in the bottom of the frame.

In the Western States Tournament format Cerro Coso was home despite playing at Moorpark, and the Coyotes Mark Sayas doubled to lead off the bottom of the tenth. Jon Proesl singled sharply to right and moved Sayas to third. McAllister was then intentionally walked to load the bases and give the Cougars a force out at any base.

But Adams was one step of his old school and gave Kyle Hanson the squeeze sign.

“I normally wouldn't do that in that situation,” Adams said of the risky play. “But I had an experienced hitter at the plate, an experienced runner at third and figured we could do it.”

And do it they did. Hanson's bunt on a 1-0 pitch trickled up the first base line and the Cougars never made a play on it.

Saturday saw the Coyotes take on Glendale in a doubleheader, coming away with a split. The locals lost the opener 2-1, squandering scoring chances by leaving 10 men on base.

Brett Cobbley suffered the loss, but pitched well in the effort. He scattered nine hits over 6-2/3 innings, walking one, striking out two and allowing one earned run. Ryan Fischer pitched the final 1-1/3 innings and struck out one.

Sayas lead all Coyote hitters in the game going 3-for-4 with a double. Frederick Bello and Proesl were each 2-for-4 while Hanson got one hit in four at bats.

Cerro Coso rebounded to win the nightcap 5-4, with McAllister earning the team's first save of the season for working the final 1-2/3 innings.

Colby Ingram (1-0) got the start and the win for working 5-1/3 innings. He allowed five hits and two earned runs, walking two and striking out two. Wes Oliver and Jessie Zuber pitched in middles relief, combining to allow two earned runs on two hits.

Sayas and Proesl were again among the leaders at the plate. Sayas finished 3-for-5 with a double and a run batted in, while Proesl was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Adding to the hit parade were Cameron White (3-for-5, RBI, 2B) and Nick Parker (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2B).

In reflecting on the weekend's overall 2-2 finish, Adams is hoping his team has learned a lesson they can use long into the season.

“We saw Thursday that if we have a bad week of practice and just show up for a game unprepared,” said Adams, “then we have a good chance of getting beat. But if come out with the right mindset and have a mission and purpose in what we're doing, we can play with anybody.”

Adams noted the strong performance of his bullpen over the weekend, and the impending return of righthander Jamie Cameron who is coming off the disabled list. But in the end, he again returned focus to the mental aspect of the game and its importance for his team.

“We have a few kids that are buying into our team philosophy of hitting,” he said, “and they are the ones that are hitting the ball well right now. We have a few that aren't buying in, and they are like wildcats at the plate. We want disciplined hitters who are using our strategies at the plate. We want our kids to have good, consistent at bats each time they are up there whether they get a basehit or not.

“We are hoping that we can get everyone on the same page offensively. If we can do that, we'll be a good team. No doubt.”

The Coyotes will go coastal this coming weekend, playing a three-game set at the Cuesta States Tourney in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

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