Legaspi Saves the Day for West, 18-16

Danny Turock was selected most valuable player, Andrew Petersen was given the “Big Stick” award but Dale Legaspi should have earned something for putting the 25th annual Bernie Milligan All-Star baseball game out of its misery.

Legaspi, from Crespi High, did what numerous other pitchers failed to do, get outs. He struck out three, allowed only one baserunner and recorded a save in an 18-16 come-from-behind victory for the West over the East on Saturday at Lancaster Municipal Stadium.

Turock, from Simi Valley, hit a two-run double and singled in the final run in a five-run ninth for the West, which overcame a 12-1 deficit.

Petersen, an L.A. Baptist senior, helped build that lead for the East. He rattled a triple off the center-field wall in the second, doubled, singled and had three RBIs.

Legaspi was the only pitcher effective against Petersen, striking him out. But a curveball in the dirt found its way to the backstop, allowing Petersen to reach base for the fourth time.

“[Petersen] was a serious hitter,” Legaspi said. “But in his other at-bats he was getting fastballs. I certainly wasn’t going to give him one of those.”

Petersen’s two-run triple highlighted a seven-run second. Art Ortiz of Lancaster hit a two-run homer to center to give the East a 12-1 lead after three innings.

The West chipped away and finally caught up when Jim Milkovich of Chaminade hit a three-run double to tie the score, 16-16.

The rally denied Petersen the MVP award.