LA VERNE LITTLE LEAGUE: Bustos and Hugar Stage Great Pitching Duel

Pitching sensation Matthew Bustos recorded 16 strikeouts at Pelota Park on Saturday to lead his Red Sox to a 4-2 win over the Orioles.

Pitching phenom Matthew Bustos recorded 16 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings and also went three-for-three at the plate, including an RBI double to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles at the Kirk B. Johnson Little League Park in La Verne on Saturday night.

The Red Sox would need every last ounce of effort from Bustos who was locked in a sensational pitching duel with the Orioles’ Conrad Hugar. Indeed, the Orioles led the contest, 1-0, until the bottom of the fourth when the Red Sox tied the score after J.J. Hackett tripled and subsequently scored on a double by Jacob Snyder.

In the bottom of the fifth, Bustos finally got the offensive support he needed. With two runners aboard, Bustos doubled home the lead runner to give the Red Sox a 2-1 advantage. Then John Diaz singled home both Santiago and Bustos to build the lead to 4-1.

In the top of the sixth, the Orioles rallied for one run, the big hit coming on a double by Kirby, but the Orioles couldn’t catch the high-flying Orioles on this night.

“Bustos probably throws as hard or harder than any pitcher I’ve ever seen on this field,” Red Sox Manager Tony Santiago said shortly after the game. “He was sensational.”

After the game, Buston was seen running along the outfield fence perimeter, a post-game exercise he faithfully performs to help protect his golden arm.

“Do you want to be a pro someday,” La Verne Online asked.”

“I’d like that,” Bustos replied.”

He’s certainly on track at this young stage of his career.

Coverage sponsored by La Verne Realtor Colleen Bennett, Sotheby’s International Realty (909.374.4744).

The Orioles Conrad Hugar was matching Bustos pitch for pitch in the early going.