COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Valley’s Rivera Keeps Mission Under Thumb in 5-3 Victory

Despite breaking both thumbs in a skiing accident during Christmas vacation, Willie Rivera of Valley College never doubted that he would pitch this season.

Rivera, a freshman from Burbank High, threw 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in his junior college debut as Valley defeated host Mission, 5-3, in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday at Valley.

“I was trying to stop myself with my poles and I fell straight down the hill and broke my two thumbs,” said Rivera, who fell skiing on an advance run despite taking his first crack at the sport. “It was a pretty stupid thing to do.”

Mike Murray and Mario Joy each had three hits for the Monarchs (1-2). Jose Gallegos and Dereck Ornelas each had two doubles for Mission (0-2-1).

After replacing starter Jake Loveridge with one out in the fifth, Rivera threw a wild pitch to the first batter he faced, allowing a runner to score from third.

After that he settled down, giving up a single and a walk to the 15 batters he faced.