Covina Blue, currently playing in the Colt World Series in West Lafayette, Ind., earned a weekend split in pool play over the weekend to remain very much in play for a run at the title.
On Saturday, Covina Blue, which includes five Bonita High School players, beat Mexico 6-1 in eight innings. The two teams battled to a 1-1 tie through seven innings. In the bottom of the 7th, Mexico’s leadoff hitter started the inning with a triple, chasing starter pitcher A.T. De La Garza who pitched brilliantly. However, reliever Mac Lupton came in and got three infield groundouts, sending the game to extra innings.
In the top of the 8th, Mexico changed pitchers and centerfielder Joe Gill from Charter Oak hit a grand slam highlighting a five-run outburst. Lupton pitched the 8th for the win.
On Sunday, Hoosier North defeated Covina Blue, 5-2. Hoosier North scored five runs on seven hits in the first three-plus innings to get the early lead. Covina’s Mitchell Johnson came in and blanked Hoosier North the rest of the way, but Covina’s hitters were never never able to mount a consistent attack against the Hoosier North starter who skillfully mixed his pitchers.
All four teams in Covina’s pool are 1-1, and all play today. Hoosier North plays Mexico at 5 p.m., while Covina takes on North Carolina at 7:30 p.m.. Justin Garza, the hero of the Zone championship game, will take the mound tonight for Covina.
The winners of today’s two games will meet on Wednesday to crown the White Division. The White Division winner will then meet the Red Division winner in the championship, Aug. 12.
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