Baseball Roundup: 5-15-09

HESPERIA CHRISTIAN 7, JOSHUA SPRINGS 2: At Yucca Valley, the Patriots scored five runs in the eighth to beat the Lightening and finish two-way tie for third in the Agape League to clinch a playoff spot.

With the game tied at 2, Hesperia Christian’s Keifer Lux led off the eighth inning with a walk and stole second. Pinch hitter Zach Schirmbeck singled and scored Lux for the go-ahead run. Tyler Duarte hit a two-run single, and Kevin Gilson drove in a run to increase the lead.

Eric O’Brien took the mound in the seventh with no outs and runners on first and second and pitched a perfect inning. Patriots starter Duarte didn’t give up a hit until the fifth. Brodie Capps went 2-for-3 for Hesperia Christian (10-10, 8-6 AL).

“We are happy that we finished the league season on a winning note,” Patriots coach Jim Allen said. “I’m happy for the opportunity to play one more.”

H.C. 000 101 05 — 7 7 1
J.S. 000 002 00 — 2 4 3

Duarte, Metz (6), O’Brien (7) and Capps; McPherson, McCloy (8) and Henderson. WP — O’Brien (3-0). LP — McPherson.

EXCELSIOR 5, APPLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN 2: At Apple Valley, pitcher Daniel Rosales struck out six and scattered five hits to lead the Eagles past the Warriors in their final Agape League game of the season.

Both teams entered the game tied for third place along with Joshua Springs and Hesperia Christian who were also playing each other. Excelsior finished tied for third with Hesperia Christian.

Anthony Camargo and Mako Coulter each finished 2-for-4 at the plate for Excelsior (12-6, 8-6 AL). Apple Valley Christian (7-12, 7-7 AL) finished tied for fifth, a game outside the playoffs.

Excelsior 400 001 0 — 5 8 3
A.V.C. 101 000 0 — 2 5 4

Rosales and Morales; Mason, Collingsworth (5) and De La Cruz. WP — Rosales. LP — Mason. 2B— Woods (E), Mason (A).