The stakes were high at Billy Hebert Field as Delta’s men’s baseball team faced off against Sacramento City College, with Delta pulling off a steady 6-3 victory at the March 21 matchup.
It was the last of a 3-game pairing against Sac City. Preceding the game, Delta contended with two previous losses against Sacramento, with scores of 3-0 and 18-8.
“We need to win and make sure we get into the playoffs. We’ve been scrapping a little bit,” said Coach Bob Kittle of the losing streak
Early on in the game Delta stood firm, averting Sacramento’s 3rd inning advancement.
The Mustang defense made a quick throw getting both of Sacramento baserunners out just in time. This tactic was used repeatedly and proved to be a winning strategy throughout the match.
At one climactic juncture, Delta 1st baseman Joseph Roman turned heads as he stretched out and made the catch while splitting his legs, getting a Sacramento baserunner out with only the edge of his shoe touching the plate.
Defense, Kittle said, was “key to the game.”
“Our hitters stayed with the plan and we played good defense and that was probably our most complete game of the year,” the coach said.
As the wind picked up and the sun began to set, Sacramento made a quick comeback.
At the bottom of the 6th inning and through the 7th, the guest team scored 3 points, rapidly edging closer to Delta.
However, these 3 points were to be the last that Sacramento scored, failing to gain enough ground to surpass the home team.
With this victory, Delta’s ratio of wins to losses this season has pushed past a tie of 13-13 to 14-13.
This puts the Mustangs in a stronger position in preparation for the upcoming Big 8 Conference playoffs.
“Any win in the Big 8’s a huge win, and one win – one loss – could be the difference between making the playoffs or not,” said second baseman Ian Guanzon. “Every one matters.”
On April 1 through April 4, the Mustangs will be playing a series against Modesto Junior College.
