Contreras’ Clutch Hit Wins Title for Valencia

Brea Olinda showed a flair for the dramatic, but Matt Contreras did the Wildcats one better, giving eighth-ranked Valencia a 7-6 victory and the Orange League baseball championship Thursday at Valencia.

Trailing by four runs in the top of the seventh, Brea managed to tie the score, but Contreras’ bases-loaded single in the bottom of the inning drove in Shawn Wright with the game-winner.

Wright struck out to begin the inning, but reached first when the ball skipped past catcher Nick Grosse. After Wright stole second, an intentional walk and a single by Hector Ambriz set the stage for Contreras.

“We just came into the seventh wanting Shawn to get on base and score,” Contreras said. “The first pitch I liked, I hit.”

Contreras reached base five times for Valencia (18-7, 11-4). The final hit was his second game-winning hit against the Wildcats this season. And it gave Valencia a measure of revenge for a 14-1 loss at the hands of Brea on Tuesday.

Trailing, 6-2, in the seventh, the Wildcats chased Valencia starter Ambriz with a two-run home run by Nick Stagnaro. After Brea put runners at second and third with one out, a fielder’s choice by Ron Congelliere pushed one run across and a single by Chase Ulicny tied the score.

One of Valencia’s five errors allowed Brea to load the bases, but reliever Matt Reece got a pop-up to end the inning.

Ambriz’s pitch count was well over 100 in six innings. Despite the shaky defensive work behind him, he got out of several jams, as Brea (15-11, 10-5) left seven runners in scoring position.

Brea’s Mike Davern struck out seven and gave up two hits in four innings. Leading, 2-0, and nearing the maximum number of innings a pitcher is allowed per week, he was relieved in the top of the fifth with runners on first and second.

Valencia went on to score four runs in the inning, sending nine batters to the plate.