PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP : Home Run by Pitcher McDonald Sparks Mater Dei to Victory

Mater Dei pitcher Mike McDonald helped his own cause with a three-run home run in the fourth inning to lead the Monarchs to a 12-5 South Coast League victory over Capistrano Valley Wednesday at Mater Dei High School.

McDonald (6-0) yielded five hits--including home runs by Capistrano Valley’s Brian Benner and Brodie Lefebvre--struck out seven and walked two before being replaced by Andy Castro after six innings. Capistrano Valley pitcher Cole Flynn lost for the first time in six decisions.

Capistrano Valley took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Peter Zamora reached first base on a dropped called third strike and Benner pulled McDonald’s 3-2 pitch to left field for his second home run of the year.

“(Mater Dei catcher Matt Treanor) tagged (Zamora), but the ump didn’t see it,” Monarch Coach Bob Ickes said. “The first baseman didn’t break for the bag, because he thought the batter was out.”

Trailing, 2-1, with two outs in the fourth, Mater Dei broke loose for seven runs. Toby Sanchez and Treanor knocked hits off Flynn’s ankles, and Ed Marquez singled in the tying run. After Jeff Frankel walked to load the bases, Bryan Hurlbut hit a high bouncer to third, but Scott Shone had no play as Treanor crossed the plate with the go-ahead run.

Erik Mattern then doubled in two runs, and McDonald made the score 8-2 with his home run over the left-field fence.

“We were doing fine until the wheels came off,” said Cougar Coach Bob Zamora. “They hit the ball and hit it hard, and we didn’t make some plays. We definitely have to win the next one and get some help.”

Mater Dei (14-2, 6-0 in league) and the Cougars (10-5, 3-3) will meet again Friday at Capistrano Valley.

Mater Dei extended its lead to 10-2 in the fifth when Frankel’s single to center was mishandled, allowing Brian Barajas to score from second. Treanor scored when Hurlbut’s popup to second was dropped and the throw to the plate was wild.