From Staff Reports: Nothing was going to stop Muir from participating, let alone winning Friday’s CIF-SS Division 5 playoff game at Twentynine Palms. Not even their bus breaking down on the 148-mile trip out there. And even though they hadn’t made a postseason appearance since the late 1980’s, and the fact that the first pitch […]
From Staff Reports:
Nothing was going to stop Muir from participating, let alone winning Friday’s CIF-SS Division 5 playoff game at Twentynine Palms.
Not even their bus breaking down on the 148-mile trip out there.
And even though they hadn’t made a postseason appearance since the late 1980’s, and the fact that the first pitch got pushed back 30 minutes, Muir wasn’t the slightest bit rattled.
The Mustangs’ players and coaches did what they have all season.
They regrouped, battled and overcame any obstacle in their way.to take care of business.
Muir did itself a huge favor by getting out to a quick two-run lead in the first inning and then rode the arm of their veteran pitcher the rest of the way to earn a 5-2 victory.
Valente Vera went the distance, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits.
Vera walked two and struck out three batters.
Hunter Tygart was the only player that gave Vera much trouble.
Tygart went 3 for 3 with a double and had both of the Wildcats’ RBIs.
Vera also helped his own cause with a hit and an RBI.
Emiliano Martinez finished 1 for 4 with an RBI.
Keyshawn Spicer singled and scored for the Mustangs.
Amaris Harrison walked twice and scored, and his brother, Aryonis Harrison, had an infield base hit with the bases loaded to drive in a run.
Aryonis Harrison also scored once.
David Solis didn’t have a hit, but he had a team-best two RBIs for Muir.
Talon Schmidt was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs (four earned) over six innings.
Schmidt surrendered four hits, walked four and struck out four.
Muir will host Rancho Christian on Tuesday.
The Eagles (21-4) defeated Oxford Academy, 2-0, in their first-round playoff game Friday.
Quotable:
Muir coach Adonis Harrison: “We got here late because our bus broke down, but the kids didn’t panic, and they were business like. We warmed up, got some timely hits and we gave the ball to our senior and Valente did not let us down. Our players were very composed and just played Muir baseball.”
Muir senior Valente Vera: “After we got the early two-run lead, it took a lot of pressure off me and I didn’t feel like I had to be perfect. I knew I was going to get the start on Monday and I’m glad I pitched well enough to give us a chance to win. After about the third inning, I felt locked in and like I was in control. It’s really exciting for our entire program.”
Box Score:
Muir: 2-0-0-1-0-2-0-(5)
TP: 0-0-1-0-1-0-0-(2)
Win: Valente Vera
Loss: Talon Schmidt
2B: Hunter Tygart (TP)
Records: Muir (14-7-1); Twentynine Palms (11-8-1)
