OAKLEY, CA - Three first inning runs turned to be enough for sophomore starter Andrew Neil as Freedom held off Heritage, 3-2, in the Bay Valley Athletic League opener for both schools.
After Neil retired Heritage (9-5, 0-1 BVAL) in order in the top of the first, Kyren Paris led things off for the Falcons (10-5, 1-0) with a double, and was bunted over to third base by Neko Capsiliaris, who was also safe on the play. After Heritage pitcher Bryson Kinnick recorded a strikeout for the first out of the inning, Neil then grounded out to short, scoring Paris to make it 1-0. Travis Gobel followed with a single to center, scoring Capsiliaris. Gobel advanced to second on a passed ball, allowing Nick Quesada's single to drive him home for a 3-0 advantage.
Both pitchers tossed up goose eggs from that point forward, until the Patriots made a last-ditch attempt in the top of the seventh inning. Jeff Heinrich led off the inning with a single, which was followed by Steve Kerr's double to place runners on second and third. Neil settled back down, however, retiring the next three batters to end the game, despite both runners scoring on ensuing plays.
Neil struck out seven in the complete game victory for the Falcons, who opened defense of their league title from last season on Tuesday. Gobel had three hits, while Quesada added a pair of singles. Kinnick struck out five for Heritage, while Heinrich and Kerr had two hits each.
Freedom plays at Antioch on Thursday, while Heritage hosts Pittsburg.
