Monarch pitcher silences Cougars with 10 strikeouts

Sophomore Danny Veloz got his sixth start at pitcher, as he allowed zero runs through seven innings.

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Following a cancelation due to rain, Valley came out swinging away and dominated 8-3 to their fifth conference win.

Valley College baseball (12-8, WSC 5-1) hosted College of the Canyons (10-8, WSC 4-2) last Wednesday. Both teams came into this series undefeated and looked to keep it that way. Freshmen Sean David and Max Aude would combine for six RBI topping off Valley’s offense.

“It’s just confidence,” said Veloz. “We were both 3-0, and we wanted to win the first game to send a message, and they clearly got the message today.”

Veloz would throw seven innings allowing two hits and striking out 10 batters.

Sophomore Andy Rodriguez would follow Veloz and close out the final two innings. In the ninth, Rodriguez would give up two home runs that brought in three runs.

“Danny Veloz started off and gave us seven strong innings,” said head coach Dave Mallas. “That was huge, it was good to win the first game of the series.

Starting early, David and Aude would hit back-to-back singles that scored freshman Royce Clayton Jr. and sophomore Tyler Olivas.

The Monarchs would capitalize in the fourth inning, as Olivas hit a single that allowed freshman Will White to touch home. Following Olivas, Aude and David would strike again hitting back-to-back doubles that brought in sophomore Bobby Velasco, Olivas and Aude, topping off a four-run inning.

With the Monarchs being up 6-0 in the sixth inning, Olivas hit another single that helped Clayton Jr. score from second. David would get his third RBI after hitting a single into center allowing Olivas to score from third with ease.

“We’ve been playing great baseball,” said Mallas. “It’s what we talk about everyday, playing good fundamental baseball that starts with our pitchers and they give us chance everyday. We had zero errors today, we don’t do that a lot, so it’s good pitching and defense.”

Valley will next play in a 3-game series against Citrus College, hosting the first game on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.