PHOTOS: Beckman strikes early and wins early season PCL showdown against Woodbridge

Beckman catcher Josh Miller applies the tag to Woodbridge’s Matthew Kuromoto, who was trying to score from first on a triple by Nate Perry in the fourth inning. (Photo courtesy Rosalene Ledendecker).

Beckman High School’s baseball team is aiming to bring home the Pacific Coast League title and Saturday, the Patriots took the first step, defeating defending champion Woodbridge 4-1 in front of a big crowd at Patriot Park.

Since PCL teams play an 18-game schedule with three games a week, Saturday games are being played this year. Beckman (7-1, 5-0) and Woodbridge (7-4, 4-1) went into the game tied for first place in the PCL.

The two teams play two more times.

“I’d by lying if I didn’t say we knew all along when the Woodbridge game was, they’re the defending league champs, it always does,” said Beckman Coach Kevin Lavalle. “Whether we end up winning league or they end up winning league, Beckman-Woodbridge is just a little bit different than everything else.

“I really love our guys, I love the way we’re practicing, I probably say this every year, but the fans come to the game and they see the performance on the field and I’m just so blessed to be able to see what happens on all the other days of the week and as a coach, having confidence in your team, you don’t get that in games, you get that at 6 o’clock when you pack your car and you say, ‘that was a great practice.’ And that’s the way these guys are built this year. I’m not gonna lie to you, that’s a big win.”

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

Beckman (7-1, 5-0) got a strong effort from starting pitcher AJ Roettger, who went the distance, scattering four hits and striking out three. He hit batters.

“I think it was pretty important because they’re a pretty good team and it’s going to be close every year between us two,” Roettger said. “It’s good to get a win against them, especially because we didn’t beat them at all last year.”

“AJ threw a complete game shutout against Laguna Hills last week, he throws three pitches for strikes, he’s under control and he controls the running game,” Lavalle added. “If you can do those things, you’re going to win almost every game he’s out there.”

Beckman provided Roettger with plenty of support, scoring two runs in the first inning on RBI singles by Jacob Zamosky and Jackson Snitko. The Patriots moved ahead 3-0 in the second inning on a sacrifice fly by Ashton Kanegae.

Beckman took a 4-0 lead with another run in the bottom of the third on an RBI single by Josh Miller.

In the top of the fourth, Woodbridge tried to charge back. Nate Perry tripled to drive in Sean McCance, but Matthew Kuromoto was thrown out at home trying to score.

Roettger was able to shut out the Warriors the rest of the way.

“Beckman came out today and played better than us,” said Woodbridge Coach Ryan Brucker. “Their starter was ready to go and pitched well. We need to do a better job of competing at the plate and recognizing pitches. It’s one loss and we will learn from it and look to get back on track Tuesday.”

Beckman managed eight hits off the two Woodbridge pitchjers, McCance and Kuromoto, who came on to pitch in the sixth. Perry led Woodbridge with two hits.

Marcus Ziegler was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and Miller was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a triple.

Lavalle, the Beckman coach, celebrated his 300th career victory.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com

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