With 16 wins in its first 17 games, Los Altos has found plenty of ways to win games this season, whether the victories have come by comfortable margins or in tense affairs with rival De Anza opponents. This week, in a pair of games with Saratoga, the Eagles showcased their ability to win with both offense and defense in a decisive sweep over the Falcons.
The performance of the week no doubt belonged to Los Altos catcher Aaron Parker. With his team trailing by four runs headed to the bottom of the second in the first game of the series, he sparked an offensive outburst rarely seen at the varsity level. The Eagles scored nine times in the bottom of the second inning and 11 times in the bottom of the third, on their way to a 24-6 victory. Parker slugged a grand slam in the third inning and then added a three-run home run in the fourth, part of a whopping four-hit, 10-RBI day for the veteran backstop.
Parker also scored four times, as both Ryan Baum and Brennan Hanley each contributed three hits and three RBIs as well. Brock Susko earned the win on the mound.
"It was a tidal wave of offense for us, and his performance was certainly recognition worthy," said Los Altos coach Gabe Stewart. "Then Thursday, it was a much more business-like win for us, with our ability to manufacture runs and support strong pitching."
After earning the win on the mound in the first game, it was Susko who came through offensively in the second game. After Saratoga starter Matt Jacobs kept Los Altos quiet for the first three innings, Susko delivered a two-run home run, after Parker reached on an error, and the Eagles rolled from there to the 6-1 victory, improving to 9-1 in De Anza play.
Baum went the distance on the mound in the second game, striking out 10 in a strong complete game performance, while Juan Angulo had three hits and two RBIs. Parker manufactured another run virtually on his own as well, walking, stealing second and then scoring on a throwing error.
Los Altos will look to continue its strong start next Wednesday, when it hosts Homestead.
Serra shuts down Valley Christian
Sophomore Thomas Gould scored the eventual game-winning run in the bottom of the fourth inning for Serra on Thursday afternoon, as the Padres captured a defensive affair with Valley Christian, 1-0.
Seniors Timmy Ghiorso and Christian Falk were the duo which kept the Warriors silent in the game Ghiorso allowed just two hits in five innings, striking out four and not issuing a single free pass. Falk then allowed just one hit in his two innings.
Serra's win means that every team in the West Catholic Athletic League now has at least two losses in league play. Valley Christian and Mitty each have two losses in league, while Serra is part of a three-team logjam with Saint Francis and Bellarmine, as all of those teams have four losses in league play.
Allen is superb once again
Trevor Allen has stood tall on the mound for Los Gatos each time out this season, and Thursday at Wilcox was no exception.
Allen allowed just one hit while striking out five in a 4-0 victory for the Wildcats. Jack Lewis Miller drove in a pair of runs, while Tommy Troy reached base three times and scored twice for Los Gatos.
Allen is now 6-0 with a 1.58 ERA for the year, has pitched three straight complete games and not allowed a run in either of his past two outings.
Around the horn
Nathan Chapman scattered four hits and struck out five as Salinas blanked Gilroy, 4-0. Will Jewel tripled and scored a run for the Cowboys.
Lynbrook scored three times in the top of the seventh inning to stun Milpitas, 3-2. Junior Jonathan Leslie's two-run single was a key blow for the Vikings.
Tim Sweeters allowed just two hits over six innings and Dan Hinderliter had a two-run home run as Sacred Heart Cathedral cruised past Mills, 10-0. Freshman Lucas Kelly had two hits and three RBIs for the Fightin' Irish, while Keshawn Ogans added two hits, two RBIs and two stolen bases.
Sophomore Fernando Bravo struck out seve, did not issue a walk and allowed just one hit as Mt. Pleasant routed Yerba Buena, 12-0. Senior Steve Soto had two hits, three stolen bases and scored three times for the Cardinals.
