Collera Fans 10 In Emotional Westminster Win Over Columbus

Lazaro Collera struck out 10 over 6.1 innings and Westminster Christian used a four-run fourth inning to pull away from Columbus, 6-1, Monday night in an emotional “Be the Light” game at Mark Light Field.

“Tonight was a special night,” said Westminster Christian manager Emil Castellanos, of the annual event which keeps alive the memory of Ari Arteaga, son of UM head baseball coach J.D. Arteaga, who lost his life at age 16 on July 28, 2018. “It was Ari’s 22nd birthday. It was an electric night. A very emotional night for the whole community.”

The traditional matchup between these two great programs did not disappoint.

“It is a tradition we started with Columbus,” Castellanos said. “We continue it for many years and honestly, it’s one of the greatest high school games, atmosphere-wise to be part of. Two great programs with tremendous history going at it every year. It’s always fun playing against those guys.”

Collera made things very difficult for Columbus hitters, yielding just three hits while issuing just one walk.

“Lazaro was electric, really settled down and had a great performance on the mound today,” Castellanos said.

Columbus took an early 1-0 lead on a first-inning RBI single by Franklin Fransisco, who collected two of the Explorers’ three hits.

“He did very well, but outside of that their pitcher did a very good job,” said Columbus’ Oscar Benitez.

The Warriors answered with RBI singles by Austin Weigandt and Jose Lopez to forge a 2-1 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Then a four-run fourth inning put some distance between the Warriors and Explorers. William Alvarez highlighted the inning with a two-run homer to left field before Talan Beckford punctuated the frame with a two-run double.

“Willie had a big home run,” Castellanos said. “It was a great shot over the scoreboard. Fun to watch him in that atmosphere. Talan had a big two-out hit when we needed it in a crucial situation.”

Ethan Puig led the Warriors’ 10-hit attack, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles.

“We didn’t play well,” Benitez said. “But there’s a lot of season left and we are looking forward to continuing to work and continue to work toward our goals. It’s early in the season and there’s a lot of baseball left. So, we’re expecting us to improve soon.”

Leave a comment using your facebook account!