Trojans take advantage of Bulldogs’ errors in 11-0 victory
FREDERICKTOWN — California took advantage of six errors by Beth-Center en route to an 11-0 non-section victory over the Bulldogs on Wednesday at Beth-Center Stadium.
Coach Nick Damico’s Trojans have won their first three games, with all coming against teams in upper classifications based on enrollment. California (3-0) defeated Washington, 14-6, and Uniontown, 8-4, in its first two before Wednesday’s game that was called after six-innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
“It was their opening day and they looked a little rusty, but they will get better,” California coach Nick Damico said. “We were glad to be able to get the shutout as a pitching staff.”
California put up six runs in the first inning on three hits, but Beth-Center (0-1) committed three of its six errors in the top half of the frame.
“We got beat by a very good team,” Beth-Center coach Frank Pryor said. “There is a reason they are the No. 1-ranked team in their classification. Out of the 11 runs we gave up, only three of those runs were earned. It is disappointing because I thought we would have played better.”
The Trojans had RBI singles from Casey Zajicek and Enzo Mariscotti. Johnny DeFranco singled and came around to score.
Mariscotti had two base hits and scored a run, in addition to playing solid defense at first base.
“This was Enzo’s first start and he had a heck of a game,” Damico said. “He was 2-for-2 and made some great defensive plays.”
California picked up run in the third and fourth innings to lead 8-0 after four.
In the third, Mariscotti singled and scored on Louden Conte’s RBI single, while Alex Adams doubled in the fourth and scored on an error when he was trying to steal third.
Adams went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a single and two RBI. He scored three runs and walked. Adams’ double in the sixth plated courtesy runner James Campbell and Zajicek. He later scored on an error.
“Alex is a two-year starter and really starting to come into his own as a hitter,” Damico said. “He has always played good defense for us. Alex has been coming through for us big time.”
Nate Luketich picked up the win on the mound after allowing no runs or hits in three innings. He struck out three and walked one.
Damico used three other pitchers, as Rico Stimmell, Jacob Swartz and Campbell each pitched one inning.
“We had everybody play today, and were able to use four pitchers,” Damico said. “We had some of our bench guys step up today, but there are still some question marks on where we are going to play certain guys in certain positions.”
Beth-Center loaded the bases against Campbell in the sixth when Nicholas Pryor, Lane Ziker and Hunter Bowen reached base on singles, but the senior was able to buckle down and get the final out.
Jake Knizner doubled to lead-off the fifth for the Bulldogs.
Ziker took the loss for B-C. He allowed seven runs on six hits in three innings. He struck out two and walked three.
California is at Jeannette (1-0) Friday, and plays three other exhibition games before hosting Carmichaels (2-0) in the Section 1-A opener on March 8.
The Bulldogs open their Section 2-AA schedule at Washington (0-1) on Monday.