Apr 3, 2017 3 min read

McDONALD – With an overcast sky darkening the afternoon, California High School head baseball coach Nick Damico was hopeful the Trojans could squeeze three or four innings before the clouds opened.

Damico’s expectations were surpassed.

Not only was California able to play five innings against host Fort Cherry, the Trojans were able to send their lineup to the plate in three of those innings, cruising to a 16-1 victory the Section 1-AA opener Tuesday afternoon.

California (3-1) put up four runs in the first inning to take control early.

“We are really glad we got this game in,” Damico said. “It’s very important to get that lead, especially in high school. If you are able to go up a couple of runs early and separate yourself, it’s definitely advantageous. It allows you to relax a little bit rather than press.”

The Trojans looked relaxed throughout the game. Alex Adams doubled off the bottom of the center field wall and a ground ball roped down the left field line by Tyler Jacobs put California ahead 3-0.

After a subdued second and third inning that produced only one run for the Trojans, they took advantage of nine Fort Cherry walks in the final two innings to add on another 11 runs.

“The main thing was that we were patient at the plate,” Damico said. “We didn’t offer at too many balls.”

The heart of the California lineup was able to combine timely hitting with wild Fort Cherry pitching, as the Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 hitters reached base safely in 12 of their 16 at-bats, scoring each time.

“The middle of our lineup is full of three-year starters,” Damico said. “They’ve seen everything come at them and understand what pitchers are trying to do to them. It just comes down to a lot of practice and work. Those guys are great hitters. That’s just the bottom line.”

Shutting down the Fort Cherry lineup, which scored 29 runs in its two games this year, was junior pitcher Brandon Powell.

Powell spread six hits over his four innings, failing to surrender a walk and striking out five batters.

Powell also was able to weave out of danger in the third and fourth innings when Fort Cherry (2-1) had its leadoff hitter in scoring position and failed to bring a run across.

Sophomore Jacob Swartz, who took Powell’s spot on the mound for the final inning, forced two weak ground balls to himself and struck out a batter.

“We were very happy with our pitching,” Damico said. “We have been struggling so far this season at getting that first pitch strike over. Today, that wasn’t the case and our defense benefitted a lot because of it.”

Leading the potent offense for California was Adams, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Johnny DeFranco also had two singles for the Trojans.

Two consecutive doubles from Cameron Schaub and Cade Krah in the first inning produced the only run for the Rangers.

“It always feels great to get out with a win,” Damico said. “We’re already looking forward to our next game, which is Chartiers-Houston at home. It should be a good test.”