Box Score
May 21, 2006
Baseball:
Vikings pull out thrilling 10-9
11-inning win over Rio Hondo to advance to state championships
Long Beach City College rallied for two runs in the bottom of the 11th inning to cap an amazing 10-9 come-from-behind win over Rio Hondo College Sunday in the championship final of the Super Regional tournament in Riverside.
The win secured LBCC a spot in next weekend’s state championship final four tournament, which takes place May 27-29 in Fresno.
Early in the game, the two areas of play the Vikings have relied heavily on all season --- pitching and defense --- let them down.
The Vikings trailed 8-2 after Rio Hondo exploded for five runs in the top of the fifth inning. The LBCC defense committed three straight errors to open up the inning that allowed Rio Hondo to load up the bases.
LBCC starter Steven Conradi was lifted following the third error after allowing eight hits in just four innings.
A bases-loaded walk, a hit batter, and two singles off reliever Xavier Munoz allowed Rio Hondo to jump ahead to the six-run lead.
The Vikings clawed right back posting three runs in the bottom of the fifth. LBCC got an RBI triple from center fielder Chris Cordova, a RBI single by left fielder A.J. Bancroft, and posted its third run thanks to a Rio Hondo error.
Still trailing 8-5, the Vikings came alive again in the bottom of the eighth to tie up the ballgame.
Designated hitter Jon Rodriguez drew a one-out walk and moved to third on a double by catcher Derek Junghanel. Second baseman Ryan Averkieff then walked to load up the bases.
Cordova’s came up next with a sacrifice fly that plated the first of three runs. Bancroft was hit by Brian Albert’s pitch to again load the bases before he was relieved by Justin Bash.
Bash walked the only batter he faced, right fielder Daniel Prieto, to force in another run, as he was lifted for Rio Hondo ace Bobby LaFramboise.
LaFramboise, coming off just two days rest after starting Rio Hondo’s game on Friday against Riverside, walked third baseman Tommy Peale to bring in the tying run. But LaFramboise got first baseman Mike Coladonato to strike out with the bases loaded to end the LBCC rally.
The game remained tied until the top of the 11th. With two outs, LBCC closer Shane Minor put a runner on base after he hit Rio Hondo third baseman Brent Chavez with a pitch. Second baseman Anthony Benitez followed that with a triple to the right-field gap that brought in Chavez with the go-ahead run.
Now leading 9-8, it appeared that Rio Hondo was on its way to forcing a second game for the chance to go to Fresno.
But in the bottom of the 11th, the Vikings pulled out the win in thrilling fashion.
Prieto opened up the frame with a single and moved to second on a wild pitch. Peale drew a walk before he and Prieto were advanced by a sac bunt by Coladonato. Rio Hondo then opted to intentionally walk shortstop Jovanny Bramasco to load of the bases and set up a force at any base.
Rodriguez laced a single to right field to bring in Prieto with the tying run. And with the bases loaded, the Vikings executed a perfect suicide squeeze to bring in the game-winner.
Peale broke for the plate from third as Junghanel safely got the bunt fair to allow him to score and set off the LBCC celebration.
“It looked pretty bad in our dugout after they (Rio Hondo) went ahead with that run,” said LBCC head coach Casey Crook. “But the guys never gave up. They haven’t given up all season.”
Minor picked up the win after allowing one run and two hits over three innings to improve his record to 4-1. Following his treacherous fifth inning, Munoz went on to pitch three scoreless innings of relief to keep the Vikings in the game.
Prieto (2 for 4), Junghanel (2 for 6), and Averkieff (2 for 3) all had two hits for Long Beach. Cordova had two RBI as the Vikings got single RBI from six others.
“Everyone contributed in this game,” said Crook. “Everyone was a hero in some way today.”
The Vikings head to the COA Baseball Championships with a 38-9 overall record. LBCC looks to win its first state title since 1976.
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