Mounting last inning comebacks against Santa Monica High School to win the Ocean League title and Eastside High School to advance past the first round of the CIF playoffs, the Centaurs failed to capitalize on opportunities last week in the 2-0 loss to Paramount in the second round.
“This game was no different than Santa Monica or Eastside High School. We played excellent defense and received outstanding pitching, but this time we were unable to score,” said Prieto.
Centaur freshmen Jay Sterner pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits to Paramount.
The Centaurs had a runner on second base in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings, but Paramount pitcher Steven Espinoza kept them in check. He gave up two hits, tossing a no-hitter through five frames.
“Give Espinoza credit. He kept the players off balance the whole game,” said Prieto.
Adrian Perez broke up the no-hitter with a single to center field with one out in the sixth inning. With two outs in the seventh, Jon Kocker singled and George Aceves walked. With the tying runs on base, Skyler Blocker struck out to end the game.
Outstanding defensive plays were made by right fielder Pablo Saucedo, short stop Darian Sylvester, third basemen Tyler Mark, first basemen Blocker and catcher Perez.