The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
Millikan hosted Cabrillo Friday afternoon, after starting out Moore League play with a win over Compton earlier in the week. Cabrillo scored the game’s first run in the top of first, but a huge reply by Millikan later in the inning gave the Rams a 10-1 lead they’d hold onto for the rest of the game, eventually winning by a score of 18-3.
Millikan coach Ron Keester emphasized the importance of a strong start after the game. “It’s nice to get 10 in the first, and the way we’re able to do it with hits and walks, mixing in a lot of different ways of scoring those runs. It was big for us to come out and set the tone like that.”
Two of those first inning runs came off a two-run inside the park home run from senior star Myles Patton.
“I was praying (coach) would hold me up at third but I got sent,” Patton said, “I threw my helmet off, almost tripped on my helmet, but, made it safe, got lucky.”
Patton ended the game 2/3 at the plate, with two runs and an RBI.
Gannon De La Cruz also helped out, going 2/2 with a run and two RBIs, and leadoff man Sam DeCarlo finished the game 1/2, with two runs and an RBI. Guys like DeCarlo and De La Cruz subbed out early with Millikan’s large lead, letting other guys get in the mix and get some time on the field.
DeCarlo talked about his teammates subbing in saying, “It feels good to get them some playing time. It just gets them more experience.”
Patton added to this saying, “It was great. Everyone gets an opportunity (and) everybody feels involved. Everyone was able to contribute and help the team win. It’s a great thing for sure.”
Cabrillo wasn’t able to come back after the Rams’ big first inning, but they picked up a little bit of traction in the top of the third. After a walk and a single, Mathew Garcia was set up in scoring position with Jesus Barron at first. A beautifully hit triple by Carlos Monreal brought Garcia and Cadena in for two runs.
Mathew Garcia ended the game with two runs scored while Carlos Monreal finished with all 3 RBIs for the Jags.
“We’re still learning about the team,” said Keester after the win. “It’s still relatively early. We’re just trying to see how these kids handle pressure. It’s the second league game and for a lot of these guys it’s their second varsity league game. We’re just trying to get a feel for how their heart beats.”
Millikan takes on Hart on Saturday as Cabrillo hosts Dominguez on Tuesday. The Rams also have a big Moore League showdown next Wednesday when they visit rivals Lakewood.
