Laird Ties State Mark for Hits
An otherwise-routine victory for top-ranked La Quinta--10-0 over Pacifica, shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule--became special in the fourth inning.
Aztec catcher Gerald Laird’s RBI single was his 190th career hit, tying him with West Torrance’s Tony Cosentino for the state record. Cosentino set the record last year.
Laird probably might have broken the record already if La Quinta had not had eight games shortened by the mercy rule this season.
Laird, who ended the game with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth, will get his first chance to break the record on Saturday when La Quinta (21-1, 8-0) travels to San Pedro Mary Star.
“There’s no real explanation for [his season],” said Laird, who has 48 hits this season and is batting .631. “After last season, I was determined to go out and have a fun senior season. Just stay loose and have fun.
“It helps to have great teammates, who can all hit the ball.”
Six players drove in at least one run for the Aztecs, who pummeled Mariner starter Matt Huggett (6-2) and two relievers for 12 hits.
Third baseman Jason Garcia doubled and homered for La Quinta. Brian Cisneros and Willie Keller also hit home runs. La Quinta scored in every inning, including a four-run fourth.
Aztec starter Steve Lee allowed only two hits in five innings to win his ninth game this season without a loss.
In the Golden West League:
Ocean View 4, No. 7 Tustin 2--Pete Montrenes pitched a four-hitter with eight strikeouts as Ocean View (12-9, 8-2) moved into second place in league.
In the Sea View League:
No. 2 Santa Margarita 2, Irvine 1--The Eagles scored an unearned run in the first and Jeff Kuno singled in Kris Riggs in the third, giving Santa Margarita (17-4, 9-1) a 2-0 lead. Irvine (8-13, 5-5) rallied in the bottom of the seventh, getting one run on three hits, but relief pitcher Frank Bruno picked up the save, striking out Scott Zicarelli for the final out.
In the Sunset League:
Edison 8, Fountain Valley 7--Tony Cappuccilli’s three-run homer with no outs in the bottom of the seventh won the game for Edison (14-7, 5-5).