Canyons Walks All Over Valley Pitching in 10-4 Win

What’s that stuff about charity begins at home plate?

College of the Canyons got nine walks from five Valley pitchers and sailed to a 10-4 victory in a Western State Conference South Division game Tuesday at Valley.

The Cougars (10-11, 7-2 in division play) stayed a half-game behind South front-runner Bakersfield. Canyons plays host to Bakersfield on Thursday.

“I haven’t had a whole lot of success on this field,” Canyons Coach Len Mohney said. “It’s nice to win one for a change.”

The Cougars collected 15 hits and left 14 runners on base, including the bases loaded in the first and fifth innings.

They took a 3-0 lead in the first against right-hander Ryan Mort (1-2), cashing in three of four walks.

They increased the cushion to 7-2 with three runs in the fourth, sparked by Jeff Brown’s run-scoring triple.

Canyons’ right-hander Brandon Hernandez (4-2) allowed nine hits, but left with a 7-3 lead in the seventh after yielding a leadoff single to Chris Butler.

Reliever Brock Benson replaced Hernandez and was greeted with a double from Steve Zorn that scored Butler.

Zorn advanced to third with one out, but the Monarchs (7-13, 4-4) stranded him.

Canyons got three hits each from second baseman Gabby Halcovich, shortstop Lou Sanchez and designated hitter Nick Lawson. Halcovich homered in the eighth, his second of the season.

For the Monarchs, Zorn finished three for five with two doubles, and right fielder Adrian Perez was two for four with two runs batted in. Catcher John Shellabarger was two for three with a double.