MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - Josh Lauck's one-out infield single in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Garrett McCarthy with the game-winning run, as St. Francis pulled out a 2-1 victory against visiting Granada.
McCarthy led off the final inning with a single to right field, and took second on Israel Quintana's sacrifice bunt back to the mound. The dual-sport standout then advanced to third on Cooper Foard's strikeout, when the swinging third strike was not able to be handled behind the plate, also allowing Foard to reach first base.
With just one out, McCarthy was able to get a jump on Lauck's ground ball and score the winning run.
Granada was able to tie the game in the top of the sixth inning, but the Lancers were fortunate to escape without more damage being done. After the Matadors loaded the bases on a hit by pitch, a single, and a walk, Zach Patterson then singled to left with nobody out, scoring Braden Jackson from third. A clean play in left by Ryan Higgins, however, prevented any other runners from advancing.
That became a crucial element when a ground ball to Emilio Nogales at third base resulted in a force at home for the first out of the inning. Lauck then buckled down, having found his groove after replacing starter Kyle Joye at the beginning of the inning. He struck out AJ McMillan, and got Shane Clifton to line out to right field, ending the threat.
Ryan Jeffries staked St. Francis to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, with his RBI single to center, scoring Ricky Martinez. Higgins was thrown out at home on the play, though, with a strong throw from Granada's Cameron Geyer.
Joye threw five strong innings to start the game for the Lancers, allowing just three hits and no runs, while striking out three. Martinez got the win in relief, pitching a hitless seventh inning.
Tyler Stultz allowed five hits and two runs for Granada, striking out five in six and one-third innings on the mound.
