** Photo Credit to John Queen From Staff Reports: Matt Queen was ‘King’ on Friday. The Poly junior went six scoreless innings, drove in two runs and scored twice to help lead the Panthers to a 7-0 victory over visiting Yucca Valley in the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs. Queen allowed just two hits, walked two […]
** Photo Credit to John Queen
From Staff Reports:
Matt Queen was ‘King’ on Friday.
The Poly junior went six scoreless innings, drove in two runs and scored twice to help lead the Panthers to a 7-0 victory over visiting Yucca Valley in the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs.
Queen allowed just two hits, walked two and struck out four to pick up his fifth win of the season.
Offensively, Queen doubled twice.
” I was a little nervous, just because it’s one of the biggest games I’ve pitched in. But I didn’t over-think things and was able to focus,” Queen said. “I was throwing my curve ball for strikes early, which helped. My fast ball wasn’t super accurate, but when I missed, I was still hitting corners.”
Ty Evans continued his torrid hitting pace.
The Poly junior went 3 for 4 with two doubles.
Evans scored twice and drove in one run.
Joe Masters went 2 for 3, scored once and drove in one run.
Franco Alonso had one hit, scored a run and threw a scoreless seventh inning.
“So many people did their part in this win,” Queen said. “Ty’s batting, Ryan Clayton at third was awesome. Robbie Wilson dropped down a bunt and beat it out and it was a huge turning point because we were struggling to find our offensive rhythm. Everyone was dialed in.”
Anthony Gutierrez went 2 for 2 for Yucca Valley and Eli Lynch had the only other hit for the Trojans.
Poly will travel to Malibu on Tuesday for a second-round showdown with the Sharks.
Malibu defeated Animo Leadership, 20-2 on Friday.
Quotable:
Poly coach Steve Beerman: “Matt was dominant today. He hit locations and changed speeds. He also helped himself with 2 doubles and 2 RBI’s. His defense also helped him with 2 double plays and solid work from 3rd basemen Ryan Clayton.”
Poly junior Matt Loomis: “Today was the best I’ve seen Matt pitch. He had pinpoint command, got ahead of every hitter, and put people away once he got to two strikes. He was able to rack up strikeouts while also inducing soft contact throughout the game.
Box Score:
Yucca Valley: 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-(0)
Poly: 1-0-1-1-1-3-X-(7)
Win: Matt Queen (5-0)
Loss: Tim Parker (1-3)
