The visiting San Francisco Expos put on a hitting exhibition to defeat the San Quentin A’s 8-4.
After not playing for two weeks due to teams’ scheduling issues, the A’s struggled with their timing and defense.
The Expos bought their skills and sharpness from the Bay Area Men Seniors Baseball League to the Lower Yard baseball field.
“We always look forward to playing these guys. The competition helps prepare us for our games,” said Expo Matt Claussen.
The Expos scored two quick runs in the second. Claussen led off with a single, when the ball bounced off the glove and shoulder of the A’s shortstop.
Peter Casey belted a line drive to deep center field for a double to score Claussen.
Next Nick Tannura found a gap between left and center field for a single to score Casey for the 2-0 lead.
The Expos scored two more runs in the fourth off a walk and a single from Josh Caulfield when the bases were loaded for the 4-0 lead.
The Expos were not finished. They put up three runs in the fifth, widening the lead to 7-0.
After Casey hit another double, Alex Williams smashed a line drive to left field to score Casey.
Next Caulfield singled, setting up Brendan King, who hit a line drive to center field, but the A’s fielder was playing too deep, took too much time to get to the ball and allowed two runs to score.
“This game is all about pitching and good communication. So it doesn’t matter who I pitch against, be it professional or inmates, I’m going to give them my all,” said Casey.
The A’s scored two runs in the fifth. Cariyle “Otter” Blake hit a single and stole second base. Cleo Cloman singled to right field.
Expos pitcher Casey walked the next two batters, which scored Blake. The A’s Bilal Coleman laid down a bunt to score Cloman, making the score 7-2.
The Expos regrouped and turned a double play to get out of the inning.
The Expos added a run in the sixth for the 8-2 lead.
The A’s answered with two runs to closed the gap 8-4, but that was the closest they got that day.
“It was one of those nights were a lot of things weren’t going our way. This is the first time we played this team and we didn’t bring enough energy,” said A’s Coach John “Yah Yah” Parratt.
Steve Reichardt, A’s manager, added, “Being off for those couple of weeks showed, but we should have more steady games for the rest of the season.”
First-time visitor Caulfield said, “I didn’t know what to expect; everybody was nice. I look forward to coming back. Those guys play hard and have some fresh gear.”
Claussen added, “I just want the guys to know that they should always have love for today, but never forget about tomorrow and what they building their futures for.”
