Rams rout De Anza 11-3, stay in the hunt for conference championship
By Bonta Hill
SPORTS EDITOR
In need of a win at home to keep pace with the conference leaders, the Rams were able to handle business as they clobbered De Anza College 11-3 on Thursday, March 19.
Prince Dean powered the Rams, going 2-4 with 4 RBI’s. Juan Ortega and Barney Evans both went 2-4 with 2 RBI’s each, as City College got their second win of the season at Balboa Park. The victory over De Anza evened the Rams record to 5-5 in the Coast Golden Gate Conference, and 13-10 overall.
Rams starter Irvin Huerta went five innings, before being taken out due to elbow tightness. However, the game would never be close, as the Rams scored early and often. Scoring at least one run in six of the nine innings, the Rams kept the pressure on De Anza, as they were on the bases all game long.
If the Rams are to have hopes of making a run at the conference title, they will need the same kind of offensive production for the remainder of the season. Manager John Vanoncini knew exactly who the catalyst is for that production.
“Barney Evans is the league’s leading hitter,” Vanoncini said. “He’s been our biggest contributor all year.”
The Rams will play nine of their last 15 games at home to close out the season. The team will look to gain ground on the top two teams, West Valley and San Jose City College. Their next home game will be Thursday, March 26, against San Mateo.
City College then hosts Skyline, a team that will be looking for revenge after both teams’ season opener. That game will be Saturday, March 28, at noon.
With the second half of the season heavy with home games, the chance for the Rams to creep up the standings has never been better.
“We’re right in the mix for the conference right now,” Vanoncini said.
If the Rams can muster up a second half run, they may find themselves in prime playoff position at the end of the season.
As of press time, the Rams lost to Ohlone 14-1. Their record now stands at 13-11 overall and 5-6 in conference.
