Down two runs in the bottom of the ninth, the San Quentin A’s comeback stopped short and the visiting Oaks baseball team won, 11-9.
The A’s last chance at bat started well when Royce Rose nailed a fastball with one out. It landed right before a far outfield fence, then bounced over, making it a ground rule double. However, he was left stranded after Hunt struck out and a shallow grounder by Bilal Coleman led to a tag out, ending the A’s comeback attempt.
“More practice, minus the errors, we win,” said John Windham, who had a single, double and triple.
“Our defense wasn’t good, but we had good pitching and timely hitting,” said Oak Seena Nassiri about the Oaks’ win.
The A’s were up 8-5 at the top of the sixth, with Ruben Harper on the mound. The Oaks loaded the bases with one out. A shallow fielder’s choice brought in one run. The next Oak was unintentionally walked.
Nassiri then belted a two RBI single. After Oak Rolfe Winkler was walked, Reggie Hunt replaced Harper at the mound with the score tied at 8-8.
Hunt gave up two runs, one on a bad pitch in the dirt and another on a walk with the bases loaded. A routine popup catch ended the inning, leaving the score 10-8 Oaks.
Winkler ended up going 2-2 with two RBIs, a walk, a hit by pitch and two runs scored.
The A’s Windham turned a single into a run by stealing first, then second, then home plate in consecutive plays, making the score 10-9.
In the top of the seventh and final inning, the Oak’s Mr. “No Comment” hit a single that brought in one run, making the score 11-9.
Oak Mike Ostler had a chance to take second base but was tagged out because he wouldn’t slide. “My pants got pretty dirty last week. I can’t wash them every week,” he joked about not sliding.
It was the first time playing in San Quentin for most of the Oaks.
“It an honor to be here. I love it but I like being able to leave, too,” said Adam Dietz.
“It’s cool. It makes you appreciate stuff,” added Nate Overlid.
