Gonzalez Not Lost in Crowd

The game meant little in the Valley Mission League standings, but don’t tell that to the crowd of close to 1,000 that filled Birmingham High’s baseball field Monday night to watch San Fernando High defeat Kennedy, 7-0.

Abraham Gonzalez, trying to give his mother a birthday present, pitched a six-hitter and contributed two hits to enable San Fernando (23-7, 12-3 in league play) to finish tied for first place with Kennedy (21-10, 12-3).

Kennedy, however, will enter the City Championship playoffs next week as the league’s No. 1 entry by virtue of beating the Tigers two out of three games.

The Tigers took advantage of pitcher Adam Geery’s wildness. Geery (4-1) struck out nine, but five walks and two hit batters gave San Fernando plenty of scoring opportunities. Twice during a four-run fourth inning, San Fernando successfully executed squeeze bunts.

Gonzalez (11-1) struck out three and walked two. He kept the Golden Cougars off balance with an effective curveball.

“It’s great,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve been looking forward to this game all year. It gives us a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. It’s a big confidence builder. They’re a fastball-hitting team and I was throwing what they weren’t expecting.”

Night baseball at Birmingham has consistently drawn large crowds, with Monday’s attendance the largest of the season.

The victory should help San Fernando earn a top-eight seeding when the pairings are decided Monday. The Tigers also are expected to get back first baseman Jesus Martinez, who has been sidelined since breaking his collarbone early last month.