FULLERTON – Strong pitching and solid hitting is an equation that usually equals wins in baseball.
Sonora showcased both as its defeated Troy, 8-4, Friday in a Freeway League game at Troy High.
The win, which was kick-started by four singles in the third inning, has the Raiders off to a 2-0 start in league and feeling good about the direction they’re going.
“First two league games I’m really happy with, especially the way we’ve pitched and played really good defense,” Sonora coach Pat Tellers said. “If we keep playing the way we’re playing and keep mistakes down, I think we’re going to be alright.”
Senior pitcher J.P. Sarro was able to give Sonora (5-4 overall) a good outing despite battling a stomach illness. He tstruck out seven and gave up a single run before being pulled in the sixth inning.
“I was fine through the first four, (but) my stomach started to hurt in the top of the fifth,” Sarro said. “I tried to eat some almonds before coming back in, but it wasn’t really there.”
He entered the sixth with a shutout, but two singles and a walk that loaded the bases threatened it quickly. The Warriors’ Tim Kim was able to hit a ball deep enough to right field to score a run, spelling the end of Sarro’s day.
With the aid of Cody Sandefur’s deep double into the right-center field gap, Troy cut its deficit to four runs.
Troy’s comeback was put to rest when Raiders relief pitcher Dylan Villalobos struck out two and forced a ground out in the seventh to end the game.
Warriors starting pitcher Brett Boller allowed five hits and struck out three in five innings.
Kim finished 2 for 3 with two singles and an RBI for Troy (3-5, 0-2).
Both teams continue Freeway League play March 27. Troy visits Buena Park and Sonora is at Fullerton.
