Killian Cougars Score Early And Then Stave Off LaSalle

Killian put up three runs early and then held its ground to stave off visiting LaSalle 3-2 on Wednesday in the Adidas Diamond Bash.

Pitcher McLean Becton showed great speed and control in the top of the first for the Cougars as he sat down the top of the order.

Killian came up to bat and jumped on LaSalle pitcher Rodrigo Sarmiento. Mandy Alvarez and Nick Mira ripped back-to-back singles past the shortstop. Mira’s single brought in Mike Perez, who was on base after being hit by a pitch. Spencer Levine hit a deep pop fly, sacrificing Alvarez home for another run. Eric Molina continued the threat with a single, but Sarmiento did damage control.

Throughout the game, Killian employed the small-ball tactics made famous by Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane. Sacrifice bunts and pop flies were utilized and bases were stolen.

“We have a philosophy that if at the end of your at-bat you’ve advanced a runner 90 feet, you’ve had a successful at-bat,” Killian coach Angel Herrera said. “We preach selfless at-bats.”

Nick Mira doubled and scored for Killian’s third run.

In the fourth inning, Nick Canino smacked a double off the left-field wall, bringing in Eric Valdes. He advanced to third on Elier Rodriguez’s single. LaSalle then took a page out of Killian’s book with Mike Avila’s sacrifice fly.

From there, the relief pitching for both teams made sure no more runs scored. Mike Cabezas shut Killian out for the rest of the game. The duo of Jonathan Coven and Mike Perez stymied LaSalle, earning a hold and a save, respectively.

Both teams had big plays on defense to keep things tight. Killian catcher Nick Mira gunned down a runner at second and La Salle right fielder Francis Mijares made a Superman-style diving catch.

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