Despite pulling their starting pitcher in the fourth inning, and only coming up with five hits in the game, the Wilson Bruins found a way to take down Millikan 6-2 on Wednesday at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.
Wilson (8-6-2, 3-2) gets back into the Moore League race with the win, and pulls Millikan (10-5, 4-2) back into the chase pack behind first-place Poly.
“It was due and we wanted this bad,” Wilson senior Jaylin Cannon said. “We worked hard and grinded all week at practice. We came here ready to get a win.”
Cannon led the Bruins offensively with two hits, two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored. He also scored what would end up being the deciding run in the third inning.
After Wilson took the lead, junior Sergio Cazares came out of the bullpen to pitch four quality innings. The crafty lefty gave up four hits and a walk, but kept Millikan off of the scoreboard by stranding five runners. Cazares also struck out five, and induced a game-ending double play in the seventh after the Rams put two runners on with no outs.
“After we lost to Lakewood (last week) we had a nice team meeting and a coaches meeting where we said we have to change the culture around here,” Wilson coach Andy Hall said. “We weren’t practicing the way we should or talking to each other the way we should. The kids really responded.”
Millikan took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning thanks to singles from first baseman Ryan Geck, right fielder Nico Briones and catcher Troy Harding. An error loaded the bases with one out, and Harding drove in the first run with a fly ball single. The second run scored on a bases loaded walk to center fielder Moises Guzman.
Wilson got a run back in the bottom of the second when right fielder Nolan Ornelas drew a lead off walk, left fielder Ryan Smith singled and catcher Tito Haycox brought in the run with a ground ball out.
The Bruins took the lead in the third when shortstop Alex Seguine led off with a double, Cannon walked and second baseman Crixtian Taveras capped a quality at bat with an RBI single to left field that scored Cannon.
Wilson added three insurance runs in the fifth inning on three walks and an error.
“The grit we have is insane,” Cannon said. “We’re not really an offensive powerhouse. “We get guys on base and we just get them in.”
Both teams will be back at Blair Field on Friday as Wilson takes on Cabrillo and Millikan faces Jordan.
Wilson
CF Jaylin Cannon – 2 1B, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 SB
2B Crixtian Taveras – 1B, RBI
RF Nolan Ornelas – 2 BB, 2 R
P Jacob Ribitzki – 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 K, 2 BB
P Sergio Cazares – 4 IP, 4 H, 5 K, BB
Millikan
1B Ryan Geck – 2 1B, R
C Troy Harding – 2 1B, RBI, BB
SS C.J. Yogi – 1B, 2B
P Tyler Conant – 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 K, 4 BB
