McPherson's season highs leads Yolo
Oakland Ballers
(0-0)
3
Yolo High Wheelers
(0-0)
6
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oakland Ballers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
|
Yolo High Wheelers | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 6 | 10 | 0 |
Davis, Ca.---Brandon McPherson (2-0) pitched a team high for the season eight innings and had eight strikeouts (matching his high) as the Yolo High Wheelers (28-25; 5-2) defeated the Oakland Ballers (29-26; 2-5) 6-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Dobbins Stadium. It was McPherson's first win since May 30th versus Grand Junction.
"I said to myself don't be a thrower, just pitch when you're up there and execute the game plan," McPherson said. "We don't try to reinvent ourselves but adapt to every situation. Angel (catcher Angel Mendoza) and I talked before the game and came up with a great game plan." McPherson allowed five hits and three runs (all earned).
All the run support McPherson needed was in the second when the High Wheelers plated five runs all starting with two out and nobody on. Right fielder Tanner Smith began the rally with a double which was followed by a walk to third baseman Kirkland Banks. Mendoza drove home the first runs with a two-run double to left. Center fielder Brayland Skinner drew a base on balls and that set up a two-run double by shortstop Braylin Marine to right making it 4-0. Designated hitter Braedon Blackford capped the frame with an RBI single.
Yolo manager Billy Horton said, "it was clutch hitting with two outs." "It shows the attitude and focus for 27 outs."
The High Wheelers added a run in the third--also with two outs. It was back-to-back doubles for Smith and Banks (RBI ground rule double), each being hit to left field.
Horton later added about McPherson, "he was unbelievable--first to go eight innings and then to be efficient with his pitches. It was one of the best starts of the year for us."
Mendoza boasted about his double, "it was awesome, I just tried to stay calm."
Ty Buckner (6) pitched the ninth inning and earned the save which ties him for the most in the Pioneer League.
Carson Lambert (2-3) took the loss for Oakland. He gave up six runs (all earned) over five innings and struck out one.
The teams meet again at 4:30 on Wednesday afternoon in Davis. The scheduled starters are for Oakland left-hander Reed Butz and southpaw Brandon Mitchell for Yolo.
HIGH TALES
Eight-of-the-nine High Wheelers reached base safely
McPherson's other eight-strikeout performance was June 13th at Northern Colorado
Oakland leads the season series 13-12
Left-hander Dawson Lane was officially traded to Billings as the player to be named later in the deal which sent first baseman Alejandro Figueredo to Yolo last month. Lane was 0-3, 7.23 in nine appearances and seven starts