
Yolo hit series-high 18 homers, fall short 4-2
Oakland, Ca.---Elijah Pleasants (2-0) worked the first six innings for the Oakland Ballers (11-7) and struck out nine as he helped lead his team to an 11-3 win over the Yolo High Wheelers (7-8) on Sunday afternoon at Raimondi Park. Pleasants allowed four hits, two runs, and walked one. Oakland took the series 4-2.
The Ballers jumped on the board in the second inning when first baseman Noah Martinez (3) homered making it 2-0. That was against Yolo starter JC Ariza (0-2) who for the second straight game had to leave in or before the second inning due to injury. Ariza was hit on a line drive (appeared in the arm area) by Oakland's right fielder Trevor Halsema. Ariza got out three batters later.
Oakland was paced by three other homers: two by shortstop Brad Burckel (2, 3) and third baseman Dan Covino (2). Halsema had three hits and three RBI's. Designated hitter Dondrei Hubbard contributed with three hits and three runs scored.
Yolo's offense was paced for the second straight day by center fielder Brayland Skinner (3) who belted a two-run homer in the fifth, and second baseman Bobby Lada (team-high 4) with a solo clout in the eighth. Skinner has nine RBI's over his last two games.
The team's combined for 32 homers in the series, 18 for Yolo and 14 for Oakland.
Ariza worked 1 1/3 innings and gave up two hits, two runs (both earned).
Yolo has Monday off and will be in action starting Tuesday night in Windsor, Colorado to face the Northern Colorado Owlz at 5:15 p.m. PST. Right-hander Cameron Repetti (1-0) is the scheduled starter for Yolo.
HIGH TALES
For the second straight time, Ben Ferrer was used in long relief in place of Ariza. He allowed five runs (all earned) in 3 2/3 innings
After being 0-10 in the series, shortstop Braylin Marine had five hits over his last two games
Third baseman Braedon Blackford who left yesterday's game a few innings after being run into by Oakland's Brian Williams on a steal, didn't play on Sunday. Williams bumped into Blackford's left elbow. He took batting practice before the game and said the elbow has a bruise. Yesterday Blackford departed the stadium with a big plastic wrap and ice on the elbow
These teams will meet again for a six-game series in Davis starting on Tuesday June 18