Trojans stay on top of SCL

Petaluma battered a couple of Piner pitchers in each succeeding inning, and the Trojans notched an 11-0 victory on Tuesday to remain tied for first place in the Sonoma County League standings.

A run-producing double off the bat of Kempton Brandis got things started in the first inning, and Petaluma never looked back in a contest that was called after five innings because of the 10-run rule. The Trojans finished with 12 hits, and most of them were well struck.

Petaluma improved to 4-0 in league play, tied with Analy for the top spot in the SCL. The co-leaders still must face one another twice as a first-round game was postponed due to wet playing conditions.

Petaluma put runs on the scoreboard in each of the four frames. Four runs in the bottom of the third inning, keyed by five hits, blew the game open. A run-scoring double by leadoff batter Danny Marzo was followed by a two-run single by Porter Slate. Marzo and Slate each had two hits.

The most productive Trojan was Devin Gottschall, who was hitting out of the No. 9 hole. He accounted for three singles and a pair of RBIs for the Trojans.

The performance of the contest went to Trojan starting pitcher Matius Lipsie. He turned in a well-crafted effort. The senior right-hander had only 5? innings of work prior to the game but gave every indication that he was a seasoned veteran.

“He earned this start,” said a pleased Trojan coach Jim Selvitella. “Matius has had some good practice sessions, and our staff believed this was the day to stick him out there. I think the kids are buying into our program, and they are playing with very little fear of any team.”

In four innings of work, Lipsie allowed only two baserunners. One Prospector earned a base on balls. Tommy Jake Wiggens beat out an infield single in the top of the third inning. Neither Piner runner got into scoring position. Lipsie struck out three batters.

Lipsie got credit for the victory, but the final inning was buttoned up by reliever Cole Tomei, who retired the side in order.

Petaluma bumped its record to 10-5 for the season. The Trojans lost a 4-3 decision to Ukiah in a Saturday contest. It evened the season series between the Wildcats and Trojans at 1-1.

“That one was just a hiccup,” noted Selvitella. “Ukiah is a good team, and we would be happy to face them again.”

The Trojans travel on Friday to meet a tough Sonoma club in an evening contest at 7 p.m. at historic Arnold Field.