TEMECULA-- The hole for Linfield Christian was considerable and the danger level was high. Thankfully for the Lions, there were plenty of hands pulling on the rope.
6 outs far from the end of their season and facing a three-run deficit, the Lions created a big sixth-inning rally to get away with a 6-3 victory over Brea Olinda Friday in a CIF Southern Section Division 4 baseball quarterfinal.
Linfield, the No. 2 seed, will travel to
Anaheim Tuesday to face Canyon, a 13-3 winner over Barstow Friday.
" Our group never ever falls off with our energy," stated right fielder Drew Taylor, who had the most significant of many big hits in the six-run sixth. "No matter which way it's going, we're always going strong."
For five innings, the Lions (23-7) had resisted Brea starter Christian Altamirano. Striking spots and altering speeds, he had Linfield relatively popping everything in the air. He also was clutch, as Linfield had gone 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position through five.
What he had not done is hold his pitch count low, so when Linfield put two runners aboard with one out in the 6th, he came out. Linfield's first run came when Brea third baseman Bradley Medley bet, trying for an out at the plate, putting the connecting run aboard.
It didn't stay aboard long, as Taylor drilled a double inside 3rd base to generate a run and even the video game.
" The previous pitch, he threw me a two-seam (fastball), which tossed me off a little," Taylor stated. "But after that, I was ready for it."
Things broke down for Brea Olinda (16-13-1) after that. An errant throw generated one run and a wild pitch scored another. Jake Valencia capped the inning with a run-scoring single.
Regardless of all the action in the bottom of the 6th, Linfield Christian coach Kyle Owlsey pointed to a play in the top of the inning as secret. Center fielder Gavin Malcomson made an incredible running, backhanded catch prior to hitting the fence to rob Jayden Pack of at least a double to open the inning.
" That catch is the best catch I've ever seen coaching baseball," Owsley stated. "I believe Gavin plays the very best center field I've ever seen. And that catch changed our season."
Linfield also got strong deal with the mound. Starter Gavin Kramer cruised in the early going, needing just 21 pitches to tape his very first 7 outs. He then lost some command, strolling five over the next 2 1/3 innings, 3 of them happening to rating.
Ryan McCalmont knocked the door shut, retiring all 8 batters he faced.
" Ryan is our X factor," Owsley. "He might be small in stature, however that's kid's grit and will are exceptional."
For Brea, the season marked a turn-around for a program that had struggled over the last few years.
" I think it's the first time in the quarterfinals," Coach Rich Pohle said. "It's been an enjoyable ride. I hate to see it end by doing this, however the future is brilliant for Brea baseball."
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