SHARKS SINK GECKOS IN LATE INNINGS

By Robert Balajadia

It was a close contest through three complete innings between the GW Geckos and Sanchez Sharks during their game Wednesday evening, until the Sharks caught fire in the 4th inning to eventually close out the Geckos in the 5th by 16-3 via 10-run mercy ruling at the Gecko field.

Down 3-2 early in the 3rd inning, the Sharks managed to load the bases from errors by the Geckos before Sharks Kayla Edward stepped up to plate to deliver a game changing hit. Edward battled through three foul balls before getting a shot through left field to bring in two runs, taking a 4-3 lead.

“I just told myself to relax and told the team not to celebrate early. Last game we played, we celebrated a little too early and the other team came back strong,” said Edward on coming up big against GW.

Sanchez Sharks Kayla Edward knocks a 2RBI double in the 4th inning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Sharks Loulana D. then added to the runs by getting a 2RBI double of her own to go up 6-3. Zhanissia Mendiola put the Sharks up 7-3 after bringing in Loulana to end the 4th inning.

The Sanchez defense didn’t allow the Geckos to get back into rhythm in the bottom of the 4th after closing out the inning giving up just one hit by Gecko Sia Duenas. The Sharks allowed Duenas to get to third base before closing out the inning to keep the four-run lead.

Geckos starting pitcher Samantha Quinata had a rough start to the 5th inning after giving up two hits and a pass ball to allow a score to go down 8-3. Quinata gave up two more walks before being retiring for the game as GW put in A. Castro.

It didn’t get much better for Castro after a pass ball and two walks put the Geckos in an 11-3 hole. The Geckos replaced Castro with Judea Reyes to try and stop the bleeding, but the walks for runs ensued burring the Geckos 16-3 to finish the top of the 5th inning.

Edward then came in to close out the 5th inning after relieving the starting Mendiola. Edward allowed just one hit, keeping the Gecko offense from putting a dent in the large lead.

“I’m ready to do whatever coach needs me to do or play whatever position he wants me to play,” said Edward on closing the game at the mound.

The Sharks and Geckos had identical records before the contest, but with the win, Sanchez improves to (3-3) while the Geckos fall to (2-4).

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sanchez Sharks Krystal San Nicolas swings high against Geckos pitcher Sam Quinata. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos Sam Quinata scoops up a grounder and throws to first base to get the out. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Sanchez Sharks Zhanissia Mendiola lets loose a pitch in the 2nd inning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos starting pitcher Sam Quinata delivers the game’s first pitch. (photo by Robert Balajadia)