Roadrunners Make Easy Work Of Show Low, Then Lose To St. Johns

By Greg Perkins
   The Roadrunners of Holbrook High School earned a split in their two weekend games, picking up a quality home field win on Friday over Show Low, then falling on the road at St. Johns on Saturday.
   Against the Cougars on Friday the Birds jumped out quickly with five runs in the bottom of the first to gain the upper hand and they were never really threatened the rest of the way. They added a run in the third, then pushed three more across in the fifth inning to secure the 9-3 win.
   Adrian Perkins picked up the win on the mound, where he gave up just one run on two hits.
   At the plate Holbrook was led by Marcus Castillo, who had a big day, going three for four including a double, a pair of home runs and four RBIs. Jared Hatch went two for four with a double, scored a run and knocked in two. Tyrell Sulu was one for three with that one being a homer, and had two RBIs.
   Holbrook collected nine runs on 15 hits, made no errors and left six runners stranded. Show Low had just four hits with two errors and left five on base.
Show Low           100   020 0 3
Holbrook              501 030 x 9
   Saturday’s game at St. Johns didn’t go so well for the Birds. As well as they played defensively on Fri-day, they played just the opposite on Saturday, committing nine errors which helped lead to an 11-9 loss to the Redskins.
   St. Johns scored three runs in both the first and second innings, aided by errors, and held a 7-5 lead after four innings. In the top of the fifth Holbrook overtook the Skins with four runs, but in the home half, St. Johns bounced back to tie the game at 9-9. More costly errors in the bottom of the sixth gave the Skins two more runs and Holbrook was unable to come back in the seventh.
   Jared Hatch started on the hill and was given a no decision, even though he gave up only five hits. Nick Dayea took the loss despite giving up just four hits in the game.
   “Both of our pitchers did a good job, but we were really hurt by the eight errors we made in the game. You just can’t give teams extra outs in innings and expect to win very many games,” said Roadrunner Coach Shawn Layden.
    At the plate Holbrook did have a decent day, pounding out 12 hits compared to just nine for St. Johns. Tyrell Sulu was two for three with a double and three RBIs. Cooper Reidhead was two for three with a double and an RBI. Jared Hatch went two for four, both doubles, and scored twice. Adriel Aguilera went two for four and scored a run. Gabi Aguilera went one for four with a double and two RBIs.
   As a team the Birds had 12 hits, made those eight crucial errors and left nine runners on base. St. Johns had nine hits, made six errors and left just three runners stranded.
Holbrook         103 140 0       9
St. Johns          331 022 x     11
   Holbrook now sits at 1-2 on the young season. After hosting a tough Blue Ridge team on Tuesday, the Roadrunners will be in action Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, at the River Valley Tournament. On Tuesday, March 11, they will host Round Valley.