March 6, 2016, Al Endriss Field, Larkspur, CA: In the first of two rivalry matches, the Redwood Freshman baseball team experienced their first MCAL loss of the season to cross-town rival Marin Catholic, 6 to 3. Robbie Wilson started on the hill for the Giants. Wilson helped himself in the first inning by picking off MC base runners at both first and second base. Catcher, Sam Warren, threw out a runner attempting to steal second base, for an improbable three outs-all by pick off! Solid defense by Jackson Barry, Dean Watson and Jared Robinow kept the contest scoreless through two innings. Marin Catholic would eventually score three runs in the third and three runs in the fourth. (6-0 after four).
Redwood relief pitchers Evan Solter, Jeremy Sellier and Nick Cook combined to blank the Wildcats the rest of the game, allowing Redwood to fight back into the contest. Aided by an outstanding double-play by third baseman, Jackson Barry, and second baseman, Genki LeClair, in the top of the sixth, the Giants finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Nick Cook led off with a single. LeClair then drew a walk, setting up Jack Morken, who maintained his hitting streak with a two RBI shot to right field. Enzo Santa would also add to his RBI total, making the score 6 to 3 with no outs in the inning. Some aggressive base running put the fourth run inches away after Jack Morken was called out at home. 6-3 after six.
Nick Cook was impressive in the top half of the seventh, striking out the first MC batter. Center-fielder, Jared Robinow, then made a leaping catch in deep center field to register the second out. Cook then struck out the final MC batter looking. The Giants were primed to steal a home victory in the bottom of the seventh but came up short. Final score: 6 to 3 MC. The Freshman will surely look forward to bounce back against MC next month (May 7th).
Notable stats from Nick Cook (hit, run, 2ks); Genki LeClair (hit, run, bb); Robbie Wilson (3.2 IP, 3ks, run); Jack Morken (hit, 2RBI’s); Enzo Santa (RBI); Jackson Barry (DP, hit).
The 11 and 3 Giants take on San Marin H.S next at San Marin High: Saturday April 9th, 11:00 a.m. first pitch. GO GIANTS!