Senior Jacob Lares threw four scoreless innings and the Branham bullpen held off a late rally to defeat host Scotts Valley, 8-5, Wednesday afternoon in a non-league baseball game.
Lares allowed just three hits and no walks and struck out four before turning it over to the bullpen. Scotts Valley (4-12) rallied for a run in the fifth and two in the sixth and seventh innings to make it interesting.
Branham (9-10-1) was led by junior Henry Wright and senior Carter Jones, who had three hits and two RBIs apiece. Wright hit his first home run of the season and Jones had two doubles. The Bruins scored three runs in the top of the seventh to extend their lead to 8-3 before the Falcons put together their final rally.
Scotts Valley got two hits apiece from senior Carson Spence and sophomore Soren Burns.
Branham resumes BVAL-Mount Hamilton play Wednesday at home against Westmont. Scotts Valley is back in SCCAL action Friday at Santa Cruz.
