LOWER LAKE >> Jordan McGrath’s bases-loaded triple in the bottom of the fourth inning broke open a one-run game and helped lift the Lower Lake Trojans to a 7-2 victory over the Upper Lake Cougars in the season opener for both of these varsity baseball teams on Thursday afternoon in Lower Lake.
It was 3-2 going to the Lower Lake half of the fourth when McGrath, a left-handed hitter, sliced a deep drive down the right-field line to clear the bases and give the Trojans (1-0) a 6-2 lead. He later scored to make it 7-2.
Upper Lake (0-1) scored twice in the top of the third to push in front 2-1 after Lower Lake had tallied the game’s first run in the bottom of the first. The Trojans immediately responded, pushing across two runs in the bottom of the third to go up 3-2.
Winning pitcher Brian Fonseca combined with two relievers on a two-hitter. Fonseca worked the first 3 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking three. Upper Lake starter Cody Rybolt took the loss, allowing four runs in 3 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking four.
Ethan Watson went 2-for-3 with a RBI and Hokulani Wickard went 1-for-3 with two RBIs for Lower Lake. Andreaus Santos went 2-for-4 with a double and scored a run for the Cougars. Darren Swaney knocked in one of Upper Lake’s runs.
Lower Lake returns to action Tuesday against Pierce in Arbuckle at 3:30 p.m. Upper Lake hits the road Wednesday to play Kelseyville at 3:30 p.m.
