The visiting Santa Monica Suns completed a doubleheader by defeating the San Quentin Giants, 7-3.
“These games are always a blessing,” said Suns head coach Bob Sharkan.
“We have been coming in here for at least eight years now. I write and thank the warden every year for this baseball program. I believe in this program; it helps many people. It brings people together from different backgrounds, as one on the field.
“Over the years, I bought in a lot guys and we lost good players. But some of these guys bring in their own teams now,” Sharkan said. “I guess you can say we are a victim of our own success. But no matter how far we travel, we love to donate our time or whatever is needed for this program.”
Rasheed Lockhart of the Giants added, “It’s a pleasure to play these outside teams. They care, and it’s not too many people who care. Even though we lost, everybody played hard. This was my favorite game of the year. These guys (the Suns) are like old friends coming to see you. They make you feel human.”
Both teams had to battle the dusty winds on the dry baseball field.
The Suns got 10 hits as the Giants failed to field the ball. The Suns scored four runs in the third.
Vinnie Disanti hit a line drive to shortstop Nico Vegas, who lost the ball as it popped out of his glove. This allowed Nick Onorato to score after he drove in two runs off a double to center field.
The Giants racked up seven errors, which kept them out the game.
John Appley walked Alex Martinez. Sun Sanjay Nagarkar belted a deep ball to right field for a triple for the 4-0 lead. The Suns score three more times in the fifth off two singles and a double by Bob Sharkan.
The Giants managed to score in the third, fourth, and the seventh but never closed the gap.
“It’s was like playing on Mars out there fighting those winds,” said Giant Trevor Bird.
Giant Antonio “Boobie” Cavitt added, “I’m just enjoying this. I parole in a couple of months. I got so many life lessons out of this time and this program, so when I leave, I’m taking God with me first and a positive attitude.
“I can’t wait to see my grandkids. All I can say is we should always celebrate someone going home.”
The Suns shared their own joy; brothers Alex and Anthony Martinez got to see each other.
“I don’t get to see Alex often, since he lives in Los Angeles, so him traveling up here to play these guys was good,” said Anthony.
Alex added, “This is the first time me and my brother played on the same team. This is a good cause and I’m glad he came out with us.”
The June 6 doubleheader (the other game was against the S.Q. A’s) found everyone in high spirits.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience” said Sun Zach Mann.
Giants’ pitcher Appley finished with, “I didn’t have a good game, but these guys came all this way for us and we thank them for coming.”
–Marcus Henderson
