Without Further Delay, Kennedy Rips Cleveland

After two surprising losses to Granada Hills High last week, Kennedy had plenty of time to concentrate on its series with Cleveland, especially with first place in the North Valley League baseball race at stake.

The first game of the series was rained out Tuesday and Thursday was a pupil-free day at Kennedy, which meant the players had all morning to reflect on their recent swoon before defeating the Cavaliers, 7-2.

“It’s tougher [without school],” Kennedy Coach Manny Alvarado said. “They’ve probably were out last night like it was a Friday night.”

The Golden Cougars (19-7, 8-5 in league play) moved into a tie with Cleveland (15-6, 8-5) with four games remaining. The teams play again Monday and May 19.

Just in case the Golden Cougars weren’t fully awake, music was blasting from the loudspeakers as the teams warmed up.

Kennedy got started right away, with Tim Arroyo hitting a two-run double in a three-run first inning.

“It’s always good to get out in front early,” Arroyo said.

The Golden Cougars didn’t let up. Kennedy finished with 15 hits and scored in every inning except the third, but the best sign for the Golden Cougars was the pitching of Jack Cassel.

After watching his earned-run average soar by two runs--to 4.00--over the last month, Cassel (6-3) needed only 89 pitches to finish a five-hitter with eight strikeouts and one walk.

“I needed this, I was due,” said Cassel, who has signed with Loyola Marymount. “I had to win this one with heart. I haven’t been doing that.”

One run was earned, lowering his ERA to 3.67.

Cassel wasn’t bothered by a few raindrops in the third and seventh innings. His only shortcoming came at the plate. Cassel struck out three times but tripled and scored in the fourth inning.

“He needed this for his confidence,” Alvarado said. “I’ll take that kind of game from him than the other way around.”

Max Santillan (5-3) went all the way for Cleveland and could have fared much worse. Kennedy left the bases loaded four times and stranded 13 runners.

“I was too relaxed,” Santillan said. “I thought [the rainout] would do me good. I felt good warming up then I came out it was a whole different story.”

Center fielder Wes Crown of Kennedy, batting for the first time since he was hit on the head by a bat two weeks ago, finished four for four and scored two runs.

Arroyo had three RBIs, and Phil Arias and Aron Rofer each finished with two hits for Kennedy.

Eric Aguiar had two singles for Cleveland.