JV Sinks Pirates 1-0 in a Thrilling Pitcher’s Duel

Riley Marsh stares down the Drake pitcher

April 21. For the fourth game in a row, Redwood JV kept its fans on edge while winning with a margin of less than three runs. Giants’ ace Oliver Pearson was nearly perfect on the mound, pitching a complete game one hitter, striking out ten (seven looking) and walking none to pick up his fifth win of the season. In the fourth inning, he struck out the side on just eleven pitches. Only two Drake players reached base the entire game, one on a Redwood error. One was left stranded during the second inning, and the other was gunned down by catcher Mackie Skall and second baseman Michael Connors while trying to steal second base in the sixth inning.

Despite Pearson’s pitching and the solid defense behind him, the game was scoreless through 6, thanks to an almost-as-good performance by Drake’s pitchers. Redwood accumulated just four hits during the first six innings (a double and a single by Dane Goodman, and singles by Luke Zlatunich and Pearson).

Then, in the top of the seventh, the Redwood offense rallied. Sean

Oliver Pearson safely dives back to first base after a sixth inning single

McKenna and Riley Marsh each singled, and then Dane Goodman added a third single which was poorly fielded by Drake, allowing Sean McKenna to score the go-ahead (and eventual winning) run from second. Oliver Pearson looked as though he was about to widen the lead when he smashed a line drive up the middle, but Drake’s pitcher snagged the blistering shot to end the inning, leaving men on second and third. While it would have been nice to have some breathing room with the extra runs, Pearson did not need them. In the bottom of the 7th, Drake was retired in order, with the last out being a pop up to catcher Mackie Skall. The Giants had their second victory of the season over Drake.

JV and coaches enjoy a post-game discussion of their victory

Redwood is now 8-1 in the conference (11-3 overall). Come out and cheer them on at home tomorrow, Friday April 22, when they take on the San Rafael Bulldogs (weather permitting).