Freshman shortstop Bilal Ali (Long Beach Millikan HS) slapped a two-run single through a drawn in Victor Valley College infield to bring home the game-winning runs in a 10-9 decision for the Cerritos College baseball team at Kincaid Field on Saturday. The Falcons (3-6-1) will get the week off until they host West Los Angeles College at noon next Saturday.

Trailing 9-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, freshman outfielder Angel Alvarez (Arvada, CO HS) drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on a balk. Freshman second baseman Lucas Iorgulescu (Marina HS) followed by hitting a ball that was fielded by Victor Valley pitcher Anthony Lopez. His throw went over the head of first baseman Sebastian Navarro, which allowed Alvarez to score and move Iorgulescu to third base. A pitching change resulted in sophomore Andy Vega (Mary Star of the Sea HS) drawing a walk as a pinch-hitter. After he stole second base, freshman Sawyer Chesley (Laguna Beach HS) came in to pinch-hit and also drew a walk on a full count.

A wild pitch brought in the second run of the inning with Ali at the plate. Facing another full count, Ali delivered a two-run single into right field, which allowed the winning run to score. It was the third RBI in the last two innings for Ali, who drew a bases loaded walk in the eighth inning.

Throughout the game, any time the Falcons would score, the Rams (1-4) were able to respond with runs of their own. When Cerritos drew to within 5-4 after a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Victor Valley came back with three runs in the top of the eighth inning. It was a two-run single by freshman designated hitter Sam Rodriguez (South East HS) that got the team to within a run.

It looked line Cerritos would add to their run total after the Rodriguez hit, but Rams centerfielder Orbien Hernandez made a diving catch in deep center field to rob freshman Moses Dokes (Santa Barbara HS). In fact, Hernandez made four spectacular catches in centerfield that prevented the Falcons from scoring runs or at least getting runners on base to start an inning.

The Falcons bullpen did a fine job in relief of freshman J'amore' Ward (Gahr HS), who was unable to get out of the fourth inning. Aside from the three-run eighth inning, the bullpen tossed five innings and allowed one unearned run while striking out six batters. Freshman Matt Cabrera (Fullerton HS), who pitched the ninth inning, earned the win.

At the plate, Ali and freshman third baseman Luis Chavarin, Jr. (Sonora HS) each had a pair of hits and drove in three runs, while Chavarin also drew a pair of walks.

Photos by Dayl Peterson