Sequoia High School

In a polarized PAL ocean division, the two-game series between Sequoia and San Mateo was widely recognized as one that may have huge post-season implications. Entering the week, El Camino (6-0), San Mateo (6-0) and Sequoia (4-0) each boasted undefeated league records. Following the Cherokees second consecutive victory over host San Mateo on Thursday, the landscape of the league has shifted slightly with El Camino and Sequoia now the only two remaining teams who control their own destiny.

In what has become a staple for the Cherokees, they used another strong performance by Senior right-hander Erik Baxter (5-0) who went six solid innings surrendering three runs (one earned) to earn the victory. Sequoia got the scoring going early when Nick Davenport doubled with two outs in the top of the first, and then Danny Kocjan, moved from his traditional leadoff spot to fourth in the order in an effort to minimize the effects of a severe thight contusion suffered in last Friday's matchup against non-league foe Lowell, singled past San Mateo third baseman Omar Noriega to score Davenport. The Cherokees biggest offensive outburst came in he top of the third, when five consecutive hitters reached base safely to start the inning against Bearcat starting pitcher Mitch Labbie. Brent Grubb opened the inning with a double over the head of left-fielder RJ Asuncion. Matt Eastman then drew a walk and Nick Davenport followed with a high chopper to short that Marcus Pollard could not handle cleanly allowing Grubb to score on the play. Kocjan then drew a walk to load the bases and Labbie missed high and inside to Baxter on a full count to force in a run. Nick Brown then drove a sacrifice fly to right scoring Davenport. With one out Jake Mauldin then bounced a ball midway between the mound and home-plate. Labbie tried to make a spectacular play but misfired on his attempt to start the double play at second and the ball sailed into center field allowing Kocjan to hobble around third and score. Matt Elliott then struck out and courtesy runner Peter Murphy was gunned down at third base to end the inning. It would prove to be the only offense Sequoia would get for the rest of the game, but it turned out to be enough.

San Mateo plated two unearned runs in the bottom of the third and Pierce Precht connected in the fourth for his second home run in as many games, but Baxter then settled down and gor the Bearcats 3-4-5 hitters in order in the fifth. With sophomore Thaddeus Saldanha ready to go in the bullpen, manager Corey Uhalde decided to let Baxter take the mound again for the sixth. Center-fielder Trevor Meachem singled to start the inning, but a well-timed pitchout nailed him attempting to steal second. Catcher Matt Erlick then followed with another single to right. Pollard then roped a line-drive that appeared headed for left-center, but Brown made a leaping grab and fired across the diamond to Kocjan, doubling off Erlick and ending the inning. Uhalde summoned Eastman from third base again to record the last three outs in what has become something of a ritual for the Cherokees. Eastman was in typical form striking out Asuncion and Bearcat leadoff man Danny Vargas before inducing Manny Jois to fly out to Grubb in center and secure the Cherokee victory and his fifth save of the year in as many chances.

Sequoia (13-5-1, 6-0 PAL) now looks forward to two matchups next week against  the Westmoor Rams.