CLOVIS BEST

The Golden Eagles take home the Fresno Easter Baseball Classic Championship over rival Clovis East.

By Megan Poindexter
VSP Senior Writer-

A year after losing to Clovis East 9-2 in the finals or the Fresno Easter Baseball Classic, Clovis West got some redemption in holding off the T-wolves with a 4-1 victory to capture the title of the tournament, which is celebrating its’ 40th anniversary.

“Our goal was to come out and win the championship,” said Clovis West head coach Kevin Patrick.

The game started off with a slow start, as the first three innings were scoreless, until the Eagles finally got on the board in the top of the fourth. Jared Lee got things started for Clovis West with a double to right field. After the hit Clovis East starting pitcher Ryan Crew was replaced by Jeff Owen, who surrendered a double to Sean Silva that landed in left center to score Lee and put the Eagles up 1-0.

“We wanted to win this game but we came out kind of flat in the beginning,” said tournament J.D. Salles. “But Silva kept us n the game when we were behind offensively.”

Silva not only provided some timely hitting, but also pitched a complete game recording four strikeouts to earn co-pitcher of the tournament.

His only run allowed in the game came in the bottom of the fourth. Alan Awrabi started the rally for the T-wolves with a single and was followed by a double from senior Jose Perez.

With Awrabi on third and Perez on second, Brian Gadd lined out for the second out of the inning, but it was enough to bring Awrabi home and tie the game.

“Our approach at the plate wasn’t good early on,” said Patrick. “But it was our pitching and defense that kept us in the game.”

And that’s exactly what helped Clovis West, as they were unable to get any real offensive rhythm going until the top of the ninth inning where they scored their final three runs of the game.

The rally began as Jacob Alvarez drew a walk and Eric Karch singled. Both runners scored off a single by Connor Williams to extend the lead to 3-1.

The games’ final run was scored as Connor Buss flied out to allow Williams to cross home plate.

Salles was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player as the senior was productive both at the plate and on the mound, hitting two doubles and recording four RBI and six runs in five games. In his appearance against a tough Pleasant Grove team he pitched a full game with nine strikeouts.

“It’s feels good to MVP, but honestly I’m just glad we won,” said Salles. “Losing 9-2 last year kind of left a bitter taste in mouth.”

Winning the tournament is a plus for the Eagles, but now its’ back to business as next week they return to Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC) play to face of against Central.

However, its’ opportunities such as the Fresno Easter Classic that allow teams to develop more in giving guys that don’t normally get playing opportunities a chance to get some experience.

“The TRAC is such a grind,” said Patrick. “But we use things like the Easter Classic as a way to relax and give guys playing time.”

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