Baseball Recap: Valley Oaks CES Takes a Loss

Valley Oaks CES had lost five straight on the road, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 3-9 to make it six. They fell 14-9 to the Lakeview Charter Lions. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Lions this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 12-10 back in April.

Sergio Rojas made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. Another player making a difference was Miguel Hernandez, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run and one double.

As for Lakeview Charter, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-7 record this season. That's two games straight that they have won by exactly five runs.

On Lakeview Charter's side, Nick Gonzalez and Eric Perez were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Gonzalez tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Perez struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. Gonzalez is becoming a predictor of Lakeview Charter's success: when he allows at most three hits the team is 6-2 (and 4-5 when he doesn't). At the plate, Gonzalez got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Perez went 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Gonzalez has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times he's played.

In other batting news, Julian De La Pena was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. He has become a key player for Lakeview Charter: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 5-7 otherwise. Jacob Garcia was another key player, getting on base in two of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Valley Oaks CES will welcome Valor Academy at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Valley Oaks CES' pitchers better be ready for this one: Valor Academy has averaged an impressive 9.8 runs per game this season. As for Lakeview Charter, they will be playing at home against Triumph Charter at 6:00 p.m. on Monday.