Irvine wins 4-3 on a walk-off single by Memon and hands Beckman first league loss

Irvine’s Bubba Filia is congratulated after hitting a home run against Beckman Thursday. (Photos: Courtesy of Rosalene Ledendecker, For OC Sports Zone)

Irvine High baseball coach Gabriel Cota made it clear he expected his team to come out ready to play in a Pacific Coast League game against league-leading Beckman Thursday afternoon.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Irvine starting pitcher Ryan Barlow fires a pitch in Thursday's game.

Beckman's Nick McLain is congratulated by Logan Jackson after hitting a home run Thursday.

Irvine's Bubba Filia slides into third base with a triple as Alec Gomez tries to make a tag.

Alec Gomez of Beckman slides into third base after hitting a triple.

Beckman's Nik Krutiak delivers in Thursday's game.

Leonard Memon got the win on the mound and also had the game-winner for the Vaqueros.
PHOTO COURTESY IRVINE BASEBALL FOR OC SPORTS ZONE

Cota was right.

The Vaqueros were certainly ready and captured a 4-3 victory over the Patriots on a walk-off single by Leonard Memon in the seventh inning at Irvine.

It was the first league loss for Beckman. The Patriots (13-3, 8-1) defeated Irvine 6-0 on Tuesday.

But Irvine (10-5, 5-4) battled back Thursday at Irvine.

“It was a great high school baseball game,” Cota told OC Sports Zone. “My guys have a different mindset this year where we know we can win any game.

“There’s no doubt Beckman is a great team and they are coached by one of the best out there (Kevin Lavalle) so you know you better be on your game if you have a shot. Today we were able to rely on our leadership and grinded out a great win for our program.”

With one out in the seventh, Bubba Filia reached on an infield single. Grant Lockwood followed with a bunt single. Patrick Hackworth grounded out to move the runners to second and third.

Then, Memon hit the walk-off single to drive in Filia.

Filia led Irvine, going 3 for 4 with a home run, triple and a single and three RBI. Lockwood was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Ryan Barlow pitched six innings, striking out five and giving up three hits for Irvine. Memon, with one inning in relief, notched the victory.

Justin Goldstein pitched the first 4 1/3 innings for Beckman and was relieved by Niklas Krutiak. Logan Jackson and Sean McLain had two hits for the Patriots.

Nick McLain had two RBI and and a home run and Alec Gomez one for Beckman.

IRVINE COMPETES SATURDAY IN RYAN LEMMON TOURNEY