Baseball: Matzek could pitch seventh inning Friday
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Tyler Matzek wasn’t around in the seventh inning tonight, but he could be Friday.
The Capistrano Valley ace left-hander was removed after six innings and 103 pitches during the Cougars’ 4-0 victory over Orange Lutheran in a Division I second-round game at Hart Park in Orange. That means he could make a late-inning cameo three days from now during host Capistrano Valley’s quarterfinal game against Marina.
‘I’ve never seen a guy whose arm recovers as well as Tyler’s,’ said Cougars Coach Bob Zamora, noting that Matzek could be used to face a left-handed batter and throw about 10 pitches against the Vikings. Kevin Chambers will start for Capistrano Valley and be opposed by Marina’s Paul Strong.
Against the Lancers, Matzek (11-1) struck out seven, walked three and threw fastballs that touched 97 mph. He pitched only one one-two-three inning but stranded three runners in scoring position.
Matzek wanted to come back out for the seventh but Zamora opted instead for Nolan Clark, who struck out the side.
‘I felt like I had plenty left in the tank but it’s coach’s decision,’ Matzek said.
Just as it could be Zamora’s decision to use Matzek in the seventh Friday.
--Ben Bolch