The San Quentin Giants pulled out a ninth-inning victory over the Oakland Oaks to open their 2009 baseball season, 12-11, on April 4.
The opening day match-up between the two teams has been a long standing tradition. Marching in unison from right field, the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin opened the game by presenting the flag. Larry “Popeye” Faison led the baseball players, outside guests, camera crews and inmate fans in the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Acting Warden R. K. Wong, threw out the opening pitch, a perfect strike from the pitcher’s mound. “It’s been 35 years since I’ve thrown a baseball, I was worried I might bounce it,” he said later.
After walking the leadoff batter, the Giants made quick work of the Oaks, holding them to no runs. Giants second baseman James Bautista led off the inning with a double, followed by Mario Ellis’ inside the park homer, for a 2-0 lead after one inning.
The Giants defense held up to shut down the Oaks, and after five innings of play the score was 10-0.
After substitutions and pitching changes by Giants manager Kevin Loughlin, the Oaks made a comeback, scoring nine runs in the sixth, and one in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 10-10.
Tied 10-10, Frankie Smith, coach for the Giants said, “The Oaks are all veterans, they’re a good-hitting team, but we’ll prevail in the end I’m sure.”
In the bottom of the seventh, an error allowed Giant Steve Negrete to get on base, and with two outs, an error by the Oaks shortstop allowed Negrete to score the go-ahead-run.
In the top of the ninth, the Oaks roared back with Davis scoring the tying run, making it 11-11.
Looking to avoid going into extra innings, Eli Sala hit a single and stole second base, and with a passed ball by the catcher he advanced to third. Negrete, who is known for getting hits in crucial situations, grounded to Smith at third, who held Sala at third and threw out Negrete at first base.
With one out, the Oaks chose to walk Bautista, hoping to turn a double play and to take the game into extra innings.
Bautista, one of the fastest runners on the Giants squad, immediately stole second base to break up any attempts at the double play.
Bottom of the ninth, one out, runners at second and third, infield playing in, Jeff Brooks drove in the game winning run with a base hit between the shortstop and third baseman for a 12-11 victory.
The Giants swarmed the field congratulating Brooks on his hit, and each other for a hard-fought game.
Asked about his game winning hit, Brooks said, “The coach just told me to win it, and I did. I really needed that because I hit poorly last season.”
Mike Deeble, a volunteer assistant coach for the Giants, said, “I love this game, I came in here six times last year to play, and now I’m lucky enough to be able to coach. I like coming here because all the guys always show up for the games (he laughs), unlike some of the teams I’ve played for outside.”
Some days later the Giants shut out a Mission team, 18-0, to remained undefeated in the young season.
