Brad Hodges throws complete game and Trojans get past Warriors 2-1 in PCL game

University’s Brad Hodges threw a complete game Friday night. (Photo courtesy Melanie Spencer photography for OC Sports Zone).

University’s baseball team used a strong pitching performance from Brad Hodges to defeat Woodbridge 2-1 in a Pacific Coast League game at Ryan Lemmon Stadium Friday night on Woodbridge’s senior night.

Hodges threw a complete game, allowing two hits and striking out 13.

Jeff Quezada doubled home Noah Reid for the first run of the game for Woodbridge (10-14, 4-9) in the second inning.

Woodbridge sophomore Jack Bunnell worked out of a bases loaded no out jam in the first inning by striking out the side, according to University Coach Michael Thompson. He went on to go four innings striking out nine and allowing four hits.

But University (10-14, 5-8) scored in the fifth inning. Faraz Markazi led off with a single and Adam Axtell reached first base on a dropped third strike allowing Markazi to get to third base. After Axtell stole a base, a balk brought home Markazi.

“Unversity’s Jackson LoBianco may of saved the game with a nice web gem up the middle with two outs and go ahead run at second,” Thompson said.

In the top of the sixth inning Beckett Kreter reached on an error for the Trojans and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Noah Sperling then singled to center and Kreter was thrown out at home.

With two outs in the inning and pinch runner Patrick Dahlin at second base, LoBianco with two strikes on him, delivered an infield single and Dahlin was able to score from second base.

Hodges finished strong and struck out the side in the seventh inning and also struck out five of the last six hitters he faced.

“Brad Hodges was electric tonight,” Thompson said. “He looked strong and ready to do battle and he competed every pitch of the game.

“This was a very special moment for him, and it’s the result of many hours of hard work and dedication to baseball.

“I was extremely happy to see him finish that game, much deserving result for him. (he had hit the pitch count total and had to come out if he didn’t get that last out).”

“It was a good high school baseball game,” said Woodbridge Coach Ryan Brucker. “Both teams played and competed well. It was a fun atmosphere at Windrow playing at night under the lights. Jeffery Quezada came up in the sixth with a runner on second base and a chance to tie the game, and like he always does put a great swing on the ball, that I thought was going to get through.

“The University shortstop made an outstanding play to glove the ball and end the inning. So credit Uni’s defense and their pitcher. He pitched a great game. “