Another historic tie, ECVHS scores late
- Updated: March 11, 2022
2022 EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL
By Nick Pellegrino
ECS staff writer
EL CAJON — It’s time to get out the “Ye Olde” record book after another East County school in different East County sport may own a record — at some level — for a contest which finished in one of the highest-scoring ties in recorded history.
On Thursday (Mar. 10), El Cajon Valley baseball finished in a 13-13 draw with Kearny. Whether the score is a record depends on one’s perspective.
Although full baseball archives are in storage, 21st Century records are clear: in the first ECVHS draw this century, it’s the highest-scoring deadlock in Grossmont Conference history.
However, the score may or may not be an “East County” record. Yes, it is a mark for the metropolitan area, however, Mountain Empire once collected a crazy 14-14 deadlock with The Bishop’s on Mar. 12, 2011.
Interestingly, the RedHawks and Knights also set the local 21st Century mark with an 11-11 draw on Mar. 9, 20009.
ECVHS 13, Kearny 13, tie
El Cajon Valley held a narrow 9-8 lead through six innings, but the visiting Komets rallied for five runs in the seventh to secure a 13-9 advantage.
However, these Braves have already proven tough this season, rallying for four runs to pull even before Mater Nature tossed a blanket over the proceedings due to sunset.
Still, a tie is better than a setback, especially for a team like El Cajon Valley.
:We are off to a great start. It has definitely exceeded mine and my staffs expectations to this point,” said Braves head coach Clifton Thomas. “Our guys have picked things up quickly, but most importantly have been willing to learn and are working really hard.”
“They are a good group of kids and have quickly built good team chemistry. That’s very important to the success of any team.”
“I think if we keep working hard and continue to develop at this rate, I believe our guys have a strong chance at competing for a Division title.”
The seventh-inning comeback was exciting — except for the results from the ECVHS point ov view.
A walk, single and hit batter quickly loaded the bases, then Ruben Cosio stroked a 2-run single to bring home Chris Cosio, his brother, and Joesph “J.J.” Johnson to cut the deficit in half.
One out later, another walk re-loaded the bases, but Kearny coaxed an infield fly for the second out.
However, Luis Hernandez was hit by a pitch to force home a run, then Alvaro Alvarado was walked on four pitches to force home to score the game-tying marker.
“That is huge for team and self-growth,” added Thomas. I think the kids are definitely buying in to what us coaches are doing for the program. They are also starting to believe in themselves as a team and as individuals.”
Thomas believes there two types of players on his ballclub: typical baseball-only athletes and those which are multiple-sport athletes. The combination is proving to be a smooth blend.
“I don’t like to compare the two because there are a different group of kids in both programs,” he noted. “Hhowever, there is a core group of kids that came from the all of our sports programs and we have been able to build that relationship and trust with them that has spread throughout our team.”
“That is why I also believe it is beneficial to play multiple sports. You become familiar with coaches that coach multiple sports and it’s easy to transition with them when you have built that rapport and trust with them already.”
For the contest, Ruben Cosio recorded three RBI, matches in and Eduarado Cazarez in RBI and Joseph Johnson in hits.
The Braves remain at .500 with a 1-1-1 overall record. Kearny (3-1-1) is named after U.S. General Stephen Watts Kearny (1794-1848), considered the foremost antebellum frontier officers of the United States Army, according to Wikipedia.
Other Sports review
Last season, Mount Miguel softball established a possible state record with a 24-24 deadlock with Francis Parker.
CalHiSports is calling it a tentative mark until further study comes along. So far, research has failed to find anything higher.
A decade ago in football, Steele Canyon traveled to Canyon Country (one freeway exit from Magic Mountain) to play Canyon High, finishing in a 49-49 draw on Sept, 28, 2012.
It was believed to have been a state record at the time, bettering state mark stood for almost 20 years until local high school sports historian Rick Smith and East County Sports both found a 50-50 tie between Imperial and Holtville from four seasons earlier.
The 2008 record between Imperial Valley schools was recently broken, leaving the Cougars with the third-highest scoring drae in state annuals.
Interestingly, the CIF-San Diego Section instituted a new rule in 2012 calling for all ties to include overtime to finally get a decision. However, the Steele Canyon’s game was held at a CIF-Southern Section game (under its rules) which overtime is an optional rule.
Scoreboard
Kearny 13, ECVHS 13, tie, darkness
Foothills Christian 8, El Capitan 7 (walk-off winner)
Mount Miguel 24, Hoover 1 (4 inn., concession)
Mountain Empire 8, Liberty Charter 4
