FORESTVILLE — For three innings on Monday, the Lower Lake Trojans were matching the El Molino Lions zero for zero in a first-round varsity baseball game at the El Molino Tournament.
The Lions posted another zero in the top of the fourth inning, only this one had another number in front of it. El Molino scored 10 times in the fourth and went on to beat the Trojans 14-0 in game called after five innings because of the 10-run rule.
“We made a bunch of errors and mental mistakes,” Lower Lake coach Chris Emberson said. “Until the fourth, it was a game of goose eggs on both sides.”
Losing pitcher Jesus Fonseca took a gem into the fourth, according to Emberson. “They had only one guy in scoring position the first three innings.”
While Fonseca was tough on the Lions (3-6) in the early going, winning pitcher Tony Demarco was downright untouchable the entire game. He allowed just one hit, an infield single to Stephen Whitcomb in the bottom of the second inning.
“It was a one-hopper over the pitcher”s mound and it just kind of stopped (between the mound and second base),” Emberson said.
Whitcomb was just called up from the Trojans” junior varsity squad to strengthen the varsity roster.
“He throws hard and has a curve ball,” Emberson said of Demarco. “He can throw three pitches. He”s good.”
Lower Lake (2-4) plays either Arcata or St. Joseph today at 1:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket as the tournament continues.
