Downey had lost four straight at home, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 13-11 to make it five. They fell just short of the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits by a score of 5-3. The Vikings were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Jackrabbits earlier this season, when they won 2-1.
Downey got a good showing from Xavier Renteria, who pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, Downey saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Morise Robinson, who went 1-for-3 with one double. Derek Bringas also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
As for Long Beach Poly, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-11 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.5 runs over those games.
On Long Beach Poly's side, Tate Hammond was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Hammond has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one hit in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two runs. Long Beach Poly is undefeated when Hammond posts two or more runs, but 9-11 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Long Beach Poly got a great performance from Damian Marquez as he tossed five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits.
Back at the plate, Izaiyah Gutierrez was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Deven Munoz, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Coming up, Downey will face off against Warren at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Long Beach Poly, they will challenge Woodrow Wilson at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
