DIVISION VI : Liberty Christian Added to Linfield Pitcher’s Streak

As a freshman three years ago, Temecula Linfield pitcher Rich Hunter lost a late-season, extra-inning game to Apple Valley. That was the last time he has been beaten.

Hunter’s one-hit, 5-0, victory over Liberty Christian in Division VI quarterfinals Friday at Linfield extended his winning streak to 30 games.

“He’s unbeatable,” Linfield Coach Al Cariss said. “High or low--it was like playing darts. Wherever I called it, he threw it.”

The Lions (23-1) advanced to Tuesday’s semifinal against Mammoth Lakes Mammoth, a 6-5 winner over Burbank Providence.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of second inning, when Linfield scored five runs off John Church. Kyle Kane doubled to lead off the inning and scored on Brent Procter’s single. Ryan Sharp doubled to drive in Procter. Then, with two outs, Shin Tamura had an RBI single. Damien Karrer’s two-out double drove in Tamura and Kelly Sousa.

Church (6-2) settled down, allowing only four runners over the last four innings. He struck out seven.

The Minutemen (15-8) were overpowered by Hunter, who had a no-hitter for 6 1/3 innings. With one out in the seventh, Gabe Baltodano singled on a high chopper that Hunter couldn’t field in time.

“I’m a little disappointed in losing the no-hitter,” Hunter said. “But I don’t think about those things anymore. All I want to do is win.”

Baltodano’s hit denied the right-hander his eighth career no-hitter. Hunter (11-0) finished with 14 strikeouts, walked two and had three hits.

Despite the loss, Liberty Christian Coach Ray Clifton was satisfied by his team’s performance.

“Our team has played good all year,” Clifton said. “But Hunter’s superb pitching, combined with good hitting was enough to beat us. They’re an excellent team and I’ll be surprised if anybody beats them.”