ALISO VIEJO – Aliso Niguel coach Alan Caouette wasn’t sure who would be his starting pitcher heading into Tuesday’s CIF-Southern Section Division 2 first-round playoff game.
With three more-than-capable hurlers to chose from, Caouette made three lineups before eventually going with Ashley Ruiz.
He chose wisely.
Ruiz tossed a one-hitter to help guide the Wolverines to a 3-1 triumph over San Clemente at Aliso Niguel High. The victory advances Aliso Niguel (20-10) to the second round, where it will face Lakewood today at 3:15 p.m. Lakewood defeated Montclair on Tuesday, 11-1.
“I just watched all three warm up before the game, and Ashley looked sharp and crisp, so I went with her,” said Caouette. “She was phenomenal.”
Ruiz baffled the Tritons (16-10). Only four batters reached base – two by way of errors. She struck out six, walked one and hit a batter. The walk and hit occurred in the first inning, when San Clemente tallied its lone run.
“The great thing about having three strong pitchers is you can rotate them throughout the season,” said Caouette. “It keeps their arms fresh and lively.”
Caouette said he believes his team “has the talent to make it to the finals, but we have a tough road.“
Standing in the Wolverines way on its half of the bracket stands two former CIF-SS champions in Chino and Chino Hills.
Contact the writer: magarcia@ocregister.com or 949-454-7309
