Beckman turns Beach Pit final into a romp

COSTA MESA - A hot start at the plate carried Beckman to an 11-5 victory over Estancia in the championship game of the Beach Pit Classic on Wednesday afternoon at Estancia High.

The Patriots (15-1) were strong at the plate from the beginning, and they took advantage of some Eagles miscues.

In the first inning, leadoff batter Brandon Trinkwon reached base on an error. He later scored for the first of four times on an Estancia error.

With two outs, sophomore Spencer Ludin smacked a two-RBI triple to put Beckman up, 3-0.

“It all starts with Brandon,” said Beckman coach Kevin Lavalle. “He gets on base, and that’s what’s supposed to happen.”

Beckman kept the momentum rolling into the second inning. After a run-scoring single by Trinkwon and an RBI double by Will Barring, junior Justin Hazard came through with a two-run home run to left field, extending Beckman’s lead to 7-0.

Run-scoring hits by Garret Brown and Tyler Cook capped the six-run inning that gave Beckman a 9-0 lead.

“(Hazard) is so strong and such a good hitter,” Lavalle said. “It doesn’t matter who they threw, our guys can hit.”

Estancia’s bats were held in check by starter James Kaprielian, who pitched the first three innings and allowed one run. Solid relief pitching closed the game for Beckman.

“We have an extremely deep pitching staff,” said Lavalle. “Everyone came in and did their job.”

Although the Beach Pit Classic championship was satisfying for Beckman, the Patriots have their eyes set on a bigger goal: the Pacific Coast League title.

They resume their quest for the title on Monday against San Juan Hills.

“They’re looking forward to Monday so they can go out there and compete,” said Lavalle. “Right now our goal is to win league.”