Glendale Angelenos notch win against Storm team with local ties
GLENDALE — When the West Coast Storm rolled into town with three Glendale natives and former Glendale Community College baseball players on its roster, the Glendale Angelenos had something to prove.
What started as a tight game began to loosen as the contest went on, with the Angelenos scoring twice in the sixth and seventh innings for a 6-2 victory Wednesday night at Stengel Field. The win was perhaps a little more special for the Angelenos playing against former or current Vaqueros Tyler Delzell, Adam Ochart and Jason Ochart of the Storm.
PHOTOS: Glendale Angelenos vs. West Coast Storm baseball
“I think it adds something between [the players]. We just play Angeleno baseball regardless; I think it gives us an opportunity to capitalize on their weaknesses, as well. We were able to do that a couple of times,” said Angelenos Coach Tony Riviera, referencing holding the Ocharts — the Storm’s No. 4 and 5 hitters — to a combined two for eight with two strikeouts.
It was Ryan Barbarin who gave the Angelenos the first multi-run lead of the game in clutch fashion. With two outs, the bases loaded and a 1-2 count, Barbarin (two for three) squeaked a grounder past the second baseman for a two-run single and 4-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.
“I was just looking for a pitch to drive the other way, coach [Tony Rivera] was telling me I need to do that and that was it,” said Barbarin, who was two for three with two runs batted in the win, which improved the Angelenos to 16-5 after a walk-off win Tuesday night.
Two errors and a run-scoring single and groundout from Julian Jarrard and Sako Chapjian, respectively, capped the scoring in the seventh inning.
The Angelenos produced nine hits and took advantage of five West Coast Storm errors, while not committing any of their own. That’ll be key for the team moving forward, as it looks to stay perfect the rest of the way.
“We had a goal of keeping the season to five losses, we’re pretty locked in on no room for error,” Riviera said.
John Schwer (three stolen bases, two runs) manufactured the game’s first run nearly single-handedly for the Angelenos. He bounced a one-out single past the shortstop and then stole second and third on consecutive pitches. It made things easy for designated hitter Carl Daniels, who with smacked a high bouncer to the pitcher that allowed Schwer to ease into home for a 1-0 lead.
Adam Ochart tied the game in the top of third for the Storm. The Glendale native and former Vaquero blasted a two-out double to the left field warning track to score James Threw, who hit a leadoff single.
Bobby Stahel gave Glendale a one-run lead again with a clutch two-out, 2-2 double into the right-center field gap. It scored Tony Iezza (two for three, two stolen bases) from second base. Doubles from the Storm’s JP D’Este and Threw tied the game back up at 2 in the sixth. A 4-6-3 double play ended the inning with runners at first and second.
Storm starting pitcher Tyler Delzell, another familiar face from Glendale Community College, turned in a fine four innings. He allowed three singles and one run with one strikeout.
Angelenos starting pitcher Sam Frakes had a knack for getting out of danger with Glendale turning double plays with two runners on in each of the first two innings. Frakes also rebounded after two leadoff singles to post a scoreless top of the fifth. Despite allowing 11 hits and two walks, Frakes provided his team with a quality outing. The Storm scored two runs in his seven innings, which included eight strikeouts.
Daniels pitched two innings of strong relief pitching. He allowed one base runner on an infield single and struck out two batters to close out the game.