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By Gus Untalan

SSHS Johnny Aguon takes a swing at this pitch. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Led by senior Johnny Aguon’s seven strikeouts and two RBIs, the Sanchez Sharks successfully defended their high school baseball championship defeating the George Washington Geckos 8-1 Saturday night at the Paseo Stadium.

“It feels so good, also because it’s my senior year,” admitted an ecstatic John Aguon. “My teammates kept helping me out, they believed in me, that pushed me to shut it down for them.”

The Sharks wasted no time getting on board in the opening inning. A RBI single by fellow senior Polycard Luther that grounded past third base drove home Daniel Cruz. Once in the lead, the defending champions never looked back.

“The boys worked so hard to get here. Hard work, that’s all it is,” said Sharks head coach Marlo Arce.

McDonald’s player of the game: Sharks Johnny Aguon

After scoreless second and third innings, the Sharks pulled away in the top of the fourth. A huge hit, a triple to deep left field by Darren Meno, ignited the momentum for Sanchez. Meno ran home on the next play off a RBI single by Kalen Dennis. Dennis then added a run of his own a few batters later to close out the inning off a RBI double by Aguon, extending the Sharks lead to 3-0.

Sanchez continued to do well at bat adding plenty of insurance in the top of the fifth inning. Lorenzo Flores cranked a run-scoring double to center field that drove in Luther. Flores then scored a run off Kalen Dennis’ second RBI single to right field. Sharks standout Meno added his second run of the game taking home on an overthrow by the Geckos. The final run of the inning came off Aguon’s second RBI that drove home Dennis.

SSHS Darren Meno dives back to first base to avoid being picked off by GW first baseman Nate Cruz. (photo by Jesse Castro)

The final run for the Sharks came in the sixth inning as Devin Chiguina scored off a sacrifice fly.

In the win, Sharks closing pitcher Lorenzo Flores threw three strikeouts in a row in the final inning to secure the victory and start the celebration. “This has been my dream (to win two in a row). I’ll always pitch for my boys,” added Flores.

When asked how it feels to win after coming into the playoffs as the fourth seed, coach Marlo simply replied, “It makes it sweeter.”

GW’s lone run came in the bottom of the sixth inning on a RBI single by starting pitcher Deshon Naputi.

Consolation Match

The Father Duenas Friars defeated the Southern High Dolphins 5-2 to secure the third place finish.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

GW pitcher Deshon Naputi delivers the pitch to SSHS batter Devin Chiguina. (photo by Jesse Castro)

GW pitcher Deshon Naputi starts off the championship game against SSHS. (photo by Jesse Castro)

GW cheers for their team. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS Kalen Dennis takes a swing at this pitch. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS John Aguon delivers the pitch to GW Calvin Valentine. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS Devin Chiguina runs safely through first base and avoids the double out. (photo by Jesse Castro)

GW Hank Sablan steals second base while SSHS Julian Flores deals with a bounced ball. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS starting pitcher John Aguon steps up to deliver the pitch. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS Polycard Luther hits a line drive out towards third base for the RBI bringing in teammate Daniel Cruz. (photo by Jesse Castro)

GW 3rd baseman Rohnny Santos is unable to make the out against SSHS Daniel Cruz who slides safely into base. (photo by Jesse Castro)

GW pitcher Deshon Naputi gets under the ball to catch this short pop-fly. (photo by Jesse Castro)

2nd place Geckos congratulate the 1st place Sharks. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks gather to congratulate one another on their championship victory. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks’s Coach Marlo Arce watches as his team celebrates the championship victory. (photo by Jesse Castro)

SSHS team members run out to the field after defeating GW. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks hold the 1st place trophy up high for everyone to see. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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