LAFAYETTE, CA - Cody Gentry's one-out single to right field in the top of the seventh inning broke the scoring drought in Tuesday's game between Clayton Valley and Acalanes, with the Eagles emerging victorious, 2-1, in the DAL-Foothill opener for both teams.
Gentry's base hit scored pinch-runner Chase Graves, who was running for Telly Hill, who opened the inning with a single. Two batters later, Gentry stole third base, after previously advancing to second on a passed ball, and then scored on Ryan Pierce's sacrifice fly to right, giving Clayton Valley a much-needed insurance run.
Acalanes started its comeback rally right away in the bottom of the seventh, as Stefan Raeth blooped one to get on base, and Gavin Shipp was hit by a pitch two batters later to get the tying run on base. Gentry recorded the second out on a strikeout, but then walked two straight batters to force in a run, with the bases still loaded. He closed out the game in style, however, notching his fourth strikeout in two innings to preserve the win for the Eagles.
Mitchell Hofer tossed the first five innings for Clayton Valley, scattering four hits while striking out four. Gentry earned the win in relief. Brian Merken went six and one-third innings for Acalanes, allowing five hits and one run, while striking out five. Eddie Burns pitched the final two-thirds of an inning for the Dons, allowing one hit and one run.
