FULLERTON – Troy baseball coach David Shirota has faith in all of the team’s pitchers.
So when his team fell behind early Friday, he didn’t hesitate to go to his relief corps.
Max Lyster pitched four shutout innings in relief, and the host Warriors rallied past Fullerton, 3-2, in a Freeway League matchup.
“We believe in giving everyone a shot because we believe they’re all good,” Shirota said. “The guys came out of the pen today and did a really nice job.”
Ryan Park tied the score with a two-run double in the third. Joey Clesceri scored the winning run in the fifth when Michael Lozano reached on an error.
Spencer Ferraiz recorded the save. He hit Andrew Ortiz with a pitch to begin the seventh, but the Indians (11-11, 5-4) left the tying run at second as Ferraiz retired Michael Coppins and Mickey Resendiz to end it.
The game meant a lot to the Warriors (15-5, 8-1). Their only league loss had come to the Indians in a game at Angel Stadium in March.
Fullerton struck for two runs in the first. Andrew Bocanegra scored on a squeeze bunt by Coppins, and Gabe Jaime came home on a passed ball.
Lyster (3-0) has served as a long reliever all season, and he was ready for his early appearance.
“There was talks of a short leash because we really wanted this game,” Lyster said. “From the beginning of the game, I was ready to come in.
“Once Ryan hit that double, there was a confidence that this was our game and that momentum was shifting.”
Following the sweep of this week’s home-and-home set against Fullerton, Park said winning the season series with the Indians was crucial.
“It’s huge just because our main goal right now is to win league,” he said. “Winning this game against Fullerton gives us some leeway.”
Troy will face second-place Sonora (13-9, 7-2) twice next week.
