Recap
La Palma, CA — The Irish have already mastered the “big inning” wins. Now they are working on the “comebacks.”
For the second game in a row, Kennedy fell behind and trailed as they came to bat in the 6th inning. And for the second game in a row, they rallied to overtake their opponents with clutch performances in the final two frames.
This time it was Los Altos High School that jumped out to an early lead and held a 3-1 advantage as the game moved into the next to last inning. Wyatt Johnson led that inning off by lining a decisive single to right center, his second hit of the day. Tyler Beckler and Kyle Chung each worked their count full before drawing walks to load the bases with one out.
With Ryan Cathcart running for Chung, Jaelyn Edds was the batter. Edds, who had played a key role in the victory Saturday and had singled earlier in the game, worked another walk to bring home Johnson with the second Irish run, bringing Kennedy within one.
Speedy Evan Anderson, who had beat out a beautiful bunt in the 5th, almost brought home the tying run but a play at the plate erased Beckler leaving the bases loaded with two outs, Kennedy still one run down, 3-2.
With Ryan Cathcart running for Chung and the bases full, Chase Leonard came to bat with two outs. He promptly grounded a ball into left field bringing Cathcart home with the tie and Edds right behind with what would be the winning run.
Gavin Smith started the game on the mound and pitched a strong 5 and 1/3 innings allowing just 2 runs, only one of which was earned. To show how dominating he was, the only earned run by Los Altos was attained without even getting the ball out of the infield.
It was another good effort by the Irish pitching staff. Johnny Soto relieved Smith with one out in the 6th and completed the game, striking out the final two batters of the game for the win.
Johnson and Leonard led Kennedy's 8 hit attack with two hits apiece. Albert Munoz, Beckler, Edds, and Anderson added singles as well.
The victory leaves the Irish 2-0 in the Elks Tourney and is their seventh win in a row. They continue tournament play on Tuesday as they take on Covina High School on the Kennedy field at 3pm.