DIVISION 2-A BASEBALL PLAYOFFS : Albers Does Job for St. Augustine

It isn’t often a batter sets up his game-winning hit . . . particularly in the playoffs . . . particularly against a rival his school doesn’t make a habit of beating.

But St. Augustine’s Pete Albers did just that in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday as the Saints beat USDHS, 5-4, in the quarterfinals of the San Diego Section 2-A baseball playoffs in front of 350 at Whittaker Field.

Albers, a middle infielder, lashed a one-out, bases-loaded single just inside the first base foul line to score Eric Miranda.

Albers hit a 2-2 fastball off right-hander Ian Hamilton, and the ball just did skip by first baseman Jeff Moore.

But what won’t appear in any line score was Albers’ heads up bunt attempt four pitches earlier.

It was a play few high school juniors are capable of making.

To set the scene, Miranda singled with one out in the ninth. Craig DaLuz then hit a flare to right, sending Miranda to third and DaLuz took second on the throw. With first base open, USDHS intentionally walked cleanup hitter Memo Lopez (35 RBIs).

On the second pitch to Albers, Miranda, thinking a squeeze play had been called, took off for home. Albers, a switch-hitter batting left-handed, noticed Miranda charging, alertly squared to bunt and managed to foul the ball back.

Had he not, Miranda would have been the second out, and Albers either would have been walked or his hit probably would have been snared by Moore, who would not have been playing in.

As it was, there was nearly a benches-clearing brawl.

Miranda, charging from third, and USDHS catcher Mike Hall, stepping up the line, made contact as Albers’ bunt attempt fell foul. Hall apparently took offense to this, threw down his mitt and pushed Miranda.

There was no fight, but Hall was ejected.

A few minutes later, after left fielder David Cesena went to catcher, Albers sent St. Augustine into Saturday’s semifinals against El Capitan.

St. Augustine, ranked fifth by The Times and seeded third, improved to 27-5. No. 8 USDHS, unseeded in the playoffs, finished 23-8. Saints beat USDHS earlier this year, but it was the first time they had done so since the 1970s.

Neither Saints Coach Mike Stephenson, who went to USDHS, nor Dons Coach Dick Serrano, who went to Saints, could remember the correct year.

They did, however, agree that Hall’s ejection was justified.

As for Albers, who had three hits and two RBIs, he is probably wondering why he hadn’t become a switch-hitter sooner. A natural right-handed swinger, Albers began to hit both ways just this season.

“You see more fastballs as a switch-hitter,” he said. “Ian Hamilton didn’t throw me any curves. I’m sure if I was up there right-handed he would have.”

Albers would be wise to remember that. He’s starting on the mound Saturday.