PHOTOS: Kennedy bats come alive late in decisive non-league victory over University

Kennedy players celebrate after a hit in Saturday’s game vs. University. (Photos courtesy Nicolas von dem Bussche).

Kennedy High School’s baseball team scored 17 unanswered runs in the last three innings to defeat University 20-11 in a non-league game Saturday afternoon at Uni.

University senior pitcher Jameson LoBianco was cruising along with a 9-3 lead going into the top of the fifth inning using his curveball to strike out six Kennedy hitters.

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

University's David Wu rounds third base to score a run.

Kennedy reliever Owyn Ponte throws a pitch as University's James Zhang takes a lead.

Kennedy third baseman Adrian Sanchez makes a play.

Uni reliever Vince Maxim throws a pitch Saturday.

Kennedy starting pitcher Travis Bergmann throws a a pitch as University's Luke Emrich takes a lead.

Jameson Lobianco of University waits for a pitch.

University senior Andrew Dowd throws a pitch in relief.

Kennedy right fielder Jayden Jaramillo makes a play.

Senior Chase Nguyen rounds third base to score for Uni.

University starter Jameson Lobianco throws a pitch.

Kennedy and University players exchange handshakes after the game.

Then things came apart. LoBianco was pulled with one out after allowing five base runners (three on hit by pitches). Kennedy ended up scoring nine runs in the fifth inning on just four hits to take a 12-9 lead. The Fighting Irish added another five runs in the sixth on two hits and three more runs in the seventh.

University (12-15) did outhit Kennedy 15-13.

Seven Trojans had two hits apiece: senior outfielder David Wu (double and four RBI), senior catcher Luke Emrich (double, three RBI and a fine tag play catching a runner trying to steal home), LoBianco (two RBI), senior third baseman Andrew Dowd, senior second baseman Chase Nguyen, junior shortstop Sean Maher and junior first baseman James Zhang.

Kennedy leveraged seven hit batters and eight walks to support its offense, led by senior shortstop Adrian Sanchez who was 2 for 4 with a double, three runs and four RBI.

Reserve outfielder Sean McCann also had a pair of hits. Two other reserves scored three runs apiece: catcher Nolan Owens and shortstop Carlos Tapia. Senior third baseman Anthony Vasquez and reserve outfielder Casey Singer each had two RBI.

Relief pitcher Noah Arriola (3-1) picked up the win in relief limiting University to two runs in 3 1/3 innings. Starting catcher James Rojas threw out two runners attempting to steal.

Kennedy (16-11) has one regular season game left Wednesday hosting Costa Mesa at 3:15 p.m. It was the final game of the year for University which finished 5-9 and in sixth place in the Pacific Coast League.

—Courtesy Daryl Bogard, For OC Sports Zone