ROHNERT PARK — With most of Credo’s starting lineup still participating in the high school basketball playoffs, the Clear Lake Cardinals scored in every inning while rolling to a 12-2 five-inning victory in the varsity baseball opener for both teams Tuesday in Rohnert Park.
“We were playing their backup team in a sense,” Clear Lake head coach Ed Pepper said.
Clear Lake (1-0) scored four times in the top of the first and never looked back. Credo’s only two runs came in the bottom half of the first against winning pitcher Maddox Albaum, who scattered three hits, struck out six and walked two in his three innings on the mound. Reliever Hank Ollenberger blanked the Gryphon (0-1) on two hits over the final two innings, striking out three and walking one.
Albaum went 2-for-3 with a RBI, Ethan Maize went 2-for-2 with two RBIs and Liam Orr went 2-for-4 with a RBI for the Cardinals, who had nine hits.
“All in all we played consistent,” Pepper said. “We made some mistakes, but that’s going to happen.”
Clear Lake is a mix of veterans and newcomers this season, including a starting outfield of three freshmen.
“I was very pleased with our first outing,” Pepper said.
Looking to the season ahead, Pepper said, “We’re gonna struggle, but it’s going to be a good struggle.”
Clear Lake’s scheduled game Friday in Upper Lake has been canceled. The Cardinals are looking for a replacement game but haven’t nailed one down yet, according to Pepper. Their next scheduled game is a rematch with Credo on Tuesday in Lakeport.
“Hopefully they have all their players back by then,” Pepper said.
