Hart Comes Out Swinging Again

Oh, mercy!

Fresh off a week in which it won four games, the little red machine of Hart High continued its staggering offensive output, pounding struggling Burroughs, 15-3, in a Foothill League baseball game Tuesday at Hart.

The game was called after 4 1/2 innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

For Hart, which has offensive numbers approaching the stratosphere, the 15-run outburst was just another day at the park.

Hart (10-0, 2-0 in league play) has outscored opponents, 115-33, in becoming the region’s first 10-game winner.

After collecting 14 hits in 27 at-bats against Burroughs, Hart’s batting average is .430.

“Our guys can hit,” Hart Coach Bud Murray said. “If you come to play us, you better be ready for that.”

For Burroughs (3-5, 1-2), defending Foothill League champion, the drubbing will serve as a wake-up call--especially for pitcher Tony Sandoval, who gave up 11 runs on 10 hits and saw his earned-run average rise to 10.50.

Sandoval (0-2), who was 6-2 with a 1.59 ERA last season, was the top returning pitcher in the league.

He was making his second start of the season after missing three games because of academic suspension and two more because of a disciplinary suspension.

“I was expecting a lot more from him this year but he hasn’t been able to give it,” Burroughs Coach Jose Valle said. “He’s struggling and if he can’t give us a better effort, we’re going to struggle big time.”

Hart wasted little time in getting to Sandoval, striking for three runs in the first, highlighted by a two-run home run by Jeff Gaeta.

John Bourg hit a home run to lead off the second inning and Mark Horvat’s grand slam capped a seven-run, two-out rally in the third inning, when Hart sent 10 batters to the plate even though the first two made out.

“We have a lot of confidence in whoever’s at bat,” said Hart’s Travis Richardson, who had two doubles and two runs batted in. “If we keep coming together like we have been, then we’re going to be unbeatable.”

Sophomore right-hander Jamie Shields (4-0) allowed three hits and struck out six in notching his fourth complete game.

Valle, who said this was his team’s worst loss in three years, was impressed with Hart.

“From what I saw, they can cruise through this thing again,” Valle said.

“They’re the best hitting team I’ve seen this year, they’ve got guys who can throw the ball and they play catch.”