Warriors rout Cougars to advance

Friday, May 08, 2009
by Joe Koch

Trinity Christian twice batted around and Jacob Johnson pitched five innings of two-hit baseball as the Warriors rolled to a 16-0 victory over Community Christian in a Class A semifinal baseball game at the Santaluces Baseball Complex.

The victory puts the 25-3 Warriors into next weekend's regional finals against Brito Miami Private.

It was the fourth time the teams have met this season. Trinity Christian won the previous matchups by scores of 10-2, 16-0 and 10-0.

While Johnson had a hand in Trinity Christian's 13-hit attack with a hit and two runs scored, he had to find a way to stay warm as the Warriors' offense sent 13 hitters to the plate in a nine-run third inning and 10 more to the plate in the fourth when Trinity Christian scored four more runs.

"It was a lot of fun to watch (the offense)," said Johnson (8-2), who struck out eight batters.

Eight batters had base hits for the Warriors. Brandon Murray led the way with three hits, while leadoff hitter Richard Bain doubled and homered. The Warriors were also aided by four Cougars errors.

Warriors coach Miguel Cuello said the team has had problems starting well in semifinal games.

"Every semifinal game in the regionals, we've (had a slow start)," he said. "Something happens, so we knew it would be the same way today. It was here we go again, but after that he settled down."

Community Christian coach Rick Baldwin praised the Warriors.

"They've been tough all year, and Johnson is certainly a Division I pitcher," he said. "We knew coming in we'd have to play a perfect game. But this is the third time we've played under the lights, and the kids had a tough time picking up the ball."