The SQ Giants walked away with their biggest comeback win of the season against a visiting team that was made up of two clubs: an under-19 American Legion team and the Yuba City Stripers.
Yuba City’s offense put points on the board first, including a three-run homerun by Sam Hurley. His blast over the left field fence had him say, “The count was 3 and 0 and I knew he had to throw me one down the middle, so I took my best swing and it was a goner.” The SQ Giants hung in to prove their moxie with a come-from-behind victory.
Over 40 Yuba City players, coaches, and guests came to the Field of Dreams at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center far the May 31 game. The epic battle between annual rival teams ended in a 10-9 score for San Quentin bringing their record to 5-3-1.
Yuba college baseball coach David Rodriguez said playing at the prison helped his team to sharpen their skills, bringing them closer together, and provide for them an opportunity to broaden their horizons. “I bring these guys here for team bonding, to work on their fundamentals, and to give them another perspective on life,” Rodriguez said.
Yuba City bonded quickly off the defensive miscues of the Giants to take an early an 8-0 lead. In the early innings, the younger visiting team played the game on uneven terms.
Undeterred by Yuba City’s early success, SQ Giants Manager Richard Williams sent Carrington Russelle to the mound in the top of the fifth inning, which helped change the trajectory of the game.
The SQ Giants added youngsters to their roster for one day, which included El Cerrito High School players led by San Quentin Athletic Directors K. Bhatt’s son Kamal “KB” Bhatt. The younger Bhatt recruited teammates from his high school to help the SQ Giants. This included teammates Jackson Coles, Maximiliano “Hollywood” Garcia, and Warren Lieu.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, both Bhatt and Garcia walked, stole second and third bases at the same time before Lieu hit a sacrifice fly that showed aggressive base running, which scored the SQ Giants’ first two runs of the day.
“We’re so thankful to have this opportunity to team up with these guys that play with so much heart and have such love for the game,” said Bhatt.
The Giants continued to close the gap, as San Quentin’s Russelle drove one down the left field line for an RBI single before stealing second.
Aaron “June” Miles then blasted one to left field for an RBI double before the inning ended 8-3.
Yuba City managed to keep the home team on defense throughout most the morning, until the SQ Giants’ bats turned hot enough to close the distance between the numbers on the scoreboard.
SQ Giants outfielder Dominick Williams said both teams would always cherish the life experience of playing these young men.
“Today’s game will have an impact on us all because we will each remember that this is where our lives crossed paths.” Williams said.
SQ Giants defense held Yuba City scoreless in the top of the eighth while picking up another run to tighten the deficit 10-9.
In the top of the ninth, Russelle continued his dominance by striking out two to add to the home team’s momentum.
The bottom of the ninth finally set the stage. With the crowd cheering for the Giants, saying, “Come on residents,” the guests supported their team by roaring, “You got this, Yuba City.”
The SQ Giants’ Lieu hit a ball that found a gap in left field for a double, before Anthony Denard grounded out for out number two. Yuba City then walked Russelle, which put the winning run on first. A wild pitch by Yuba City brought in the tying run.
Aaron Miles walked and then Jarrod “Deuce” Williams hit a singe to reload the bases. With two outs and bases loaded, all eyes saw a wild pitch hit the dirt before making its way past the catcher. Russelle bolted home to score the winning run.
After the game, both teams circled the mound for a prayer and words of gratitude. SQ Giants’ Manager Williams talked about the importance of baseball for the community. He thanked the players who joined his team for the day and he extended his thanks to the Yuba City team for their fearless efforts and competition.
Resident Denard ended the day with encouraging words for all the young players in attendance, “Keep working hard on your craft, don’t let anybody outwork you and thank you all for coming.”