Brahmas pitcher quiets the Monarchs at home

The Monarchs suffered their fourth consecutive loss after a Pierce College pitcher threw a complete game shutout.

By Nicholas Orozco, Sport Editor

Monarchs sophomore starting pitcher Danny Veloz delivers a incoming pitch to one of the Pierce players during the eleventh game of the western state conference season against Pierce College at Valley college on February 16, 2023. (Xavier Dubon | Valley Star)

Valley College struggled offensively against cross-town rival Piece College, only achieving two hits over nine innings in a 4-0 loss.

The Monarchs (4-7 Overall) hosted Pierce College (2-7) on Thursday in a long-time rivalry matchup. Valley’s season-long offensive struggle was on display as runners for Valley were unable to reach third base.

Pitcher Danny Veloz got the start for the Monarchs but could not find the zone.

“He didn’t have his best stuff off-speed wise,” said pitching coach Josh-Goosen Brown. “He still fought through, he gave us a chance to win.”

The Brahmas were making consistent contact against Veloz’s pitches, flying out and grounding out. In the third inning, Pierce put together five hits and brought home three runs.

With a runner on second, Brahmas designated hitter Ryan Ornest hit a groundball to Veloz, which he fielded and attempted to throw the runner out at third, failing by throwing the ball away into foul territory, allowing a run across.

Veloz only recorded two outs in the sixth and a run prior to getting relieved by sophomore Josh Eigenbrodt who was followed by sophomore Josh Balos taking over in the ninth inning.

“Our pitching is gonna be our strength, with our defense,” head coach Dave Mallas said following the defeat to Pierce.

Eigenbrodt and Balos were able to hold Pierce to zero runs for the remainder of the game, but the Monarchs were unable to score any runs.

Frustrations flared in the seventh as Will White attempted to steal second after reaching on an error. Pierce catcher Cody Ginolfi attempted to throw out White at second, with Tino Valdez batting, batter interference was called to end the inning. Valley’s coaching staff expressed disagreements about the call. The on-field umpire ejected coach Brown from the game.

With Brown ejected, the offense was not able to find another gear and struggled against starting pitcher Jorge Romero.

“We couldn’t get any leadoff guy on in any inning,” said Mallas. “It’s tough to swallow.”

The Monarchs will next travel to face LA Harbor College on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.