By John M. Sherrard
(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Baseball team finished the 2017 season winning the last seven of eleven games, including their final-game 10-8 victory over Pasadena City College in South Coast Conference action Friday afternoon at Mazmanian Field.
With his team-leading ninth victory of the year, sophomore ace Josh Avila (9-4) pitched six innings, struck out nine and did not walk a batter.
Mt. SAC never trailed in the game, taking a 5-0 lead after three innings.
Highlighting the scoring in the first and third innings was a two-run homerun by freshman first baseman Conner Shepherd (1 for 3, 2 runs, 3 RBIs) in the first and a two-run RBI single to left field by Lineberger in the third inning.
PCC closed within a run, 5-4, with a solo run in the fourth and three in the sixth.
However, the Mounties answered with three in the bottom of the sixth as Shepherd walked with the bases loaded, bringing in freshman center fielder Nic Sandoval (1-4, run, RBI). Lineberger singled in two runs as the Mounties led 8-4.
Mt. SAC was outscored over the final three innings, 4-2, and held on for the 10-8 final.
Freshman Pitcher/Infielder, Jacob Castillo picked up his third save of the year for the Mounties.
Sophomore Outfielder, Tyrus Lineberger (3 for 4, triple, 4 RBIs) led the Mounties with three hits, which included two, two-run RBI singles.
Two other Mounties, freshman shortstop Ryon Knowles (2 for 3, 3 runs, RBI, sac) and sophomore catcher Andrew Garcia (2-4, run, dbl) had two hits apiece.
Final season highlight stats:
- Averages: Castillo, .356; Garcia, .333; Shepherd, .314
- Hits: Knowles, 43; Shepherd, 43; Brandon Bradshaw, 36
- Runs: Knowles, 33; Shepherd, 28
- RBIs: Shepherd, 31
- SB: Knowles, 12
- SLG %: Shepherd, .511
- Doubles: Shepherd, 10; Castillo, 10
- Pitching: Wins – Avila, 9 (7th in state), Strikeouts – Avila, 73 (22nd in state)
- Saves – Mason Corneliussen, 5 (15th in state)
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.