by Victor Pallares
The Eagles won Saturday’s playoff game against the Rotan Yellow Hammers. The Eagles found themselves in a pitcher’s duel. Fabian Baeza retired the side in the top of the first inning to start off the game. The Eagles did not get a runner on base in their half of the first. However, after another strong defense performance in the Rotan half of the 2nd inning, the Eagles got the sticks going. Baeza had the first hit of the game for Eagles with an outfield single. Matthew Acosta reached first safely after the Rotan shortstop miss played the grounder. With a runner on second and first, Juan Zamora hit a three run home run over the left field fence. The Eagles drew first blood and never looked back after Zamora’s hit.
Baeza found his groove once the Eagles took the lead. The home team plated to more runs after Acosta hit a two run double that brought in Luis Escajeda and Baeza. Alex Urias brought in two more runs for Eagles after hitting a double into right field. After a passed ball, Urias reached third base. Urias got a great jump and stole home to plate the 8th run for Van Horn.
With an 8-0 lead, the Eagles were three outs away from the bi-district championship. Baeza found two after two strike outs, however, Rotan scored two runs of their own. The Eagles were facing Rotan’s toughest batter with runners in scoring position. Baeza jumped out in front with two strikes on the outside part of the plate. Rotan’s hitter sent a hard line drive into left field. Escajeda made an amazing catch after diving for the ball. With the out, the Eagles clinched the bi-district championship. The final score, Van Horn 8, Rotan 2.
