Carson’s Slide Continues in 13-1 Loss to San Pedro

The Pacific League championship was Carson’s to win last week as it held a two-game lead over second-place Banning with four games to play.

But three consecutive losses, including Thursday’s 13-1 thrashing at San Pedro, coupled with three consecutive wins by Banning, has left the Colts (16-13, 11-5 in league play) a game behind the Pilots (14-7, 12-4).

The Colts and Pilots will play Tuesday in a season finale at Carson. If the Colts win, the teams will share the Pacific title, but Carson would be seeded first in the playoffs because it won the season series, 2-1.

San Pedro pitcher Larry Cannon (7-5) gave up one run on five hits and struck out five batters. He gave up four walks.

“I used the changeup a lot and placed the ball in the corners and didn’t throw it over the plate,” Cannon said.

The left-hander also stood out at the plate, going three for four with a triple and double. He drove in seven runs.

His three-run triple in the third inning gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Cannon’s hit came against right-hander Jason Cole (10-2), who lost for the first time in 11 league games. Cole, who was removed with one out in the fourth inning, gave up six runs, all earned, on six hits and two walks. He struck out four.

The Pirates (12-8, 10-6) totaled 13 hits.

San Pedro Coach Jerry Lovarov said it’s all coming together for Cannon, who has 13 hits in his last 16 at-bats.

Lovarov was also pleased with Cannon’s pitching.

“Before, he wasn’t releasing it out in front of him,” Lovarov said. “Today he did.”

In the fourth inning, the Pirates scored five runs on six hits to take an 8-0 lead. Center fielder Bryan Castenada highlighted the inning with a double off the left-field fence to score two runs.

Carson right fielder Daks Blanks hit an inside-the-park home run in the fifth.