FRIARS OPEN BASEBALL SEASON IN BIG WAY

By Jojo Santo Tomas

Father Duenas sophomore Cameron Ayuyu pitched a complete-game gem in the high school baseball season opener, leading the Friars to a 10-1 win over the George Washington Geckos on Tuesday at FD.

Ayuyu allowed just two hits and one unearned run while striking out nine Gecko batters.

“The hard work is evident. These guys are skilled to begin with but they’re also committed,” said FD coach John Tuquero. “They all show up to practice and they work hard like it’s they’re first time coming to practice and they’re trying to make the team.”

Tuquero lauded his pitcher for his control and consistency, as well as the defense, which picked up everything else past the mound.

The Friars shook off two first-inning errors and held the Geckos to just three batters each for the second through sixth innings.

GW third baseman Talen Taitano hit a beauty to left in the top of the fifth inning but was caught stealing for the second out. And GW shortstop Ise Olkeriil rocked a shot to the fence for his team’s second hit in the top of the seventh, but was left stranded when Ayuyu notched his game-ending strikeout.

Aiden Quichocho scored the Geckos’ only run in the opening inning. He got on base on a hit by pitch, stole second and then went home on a two-error play.

Meanwhile, the Friar sticks managed a hit in each inning, chasing starting pitcher Drayvin Gumataotao after 2 2/3 innings and connecting with fastball pitcher Taitano. Though FD stranded several runners, they strung together enough hits in a monster fourth inning.

The Friars sent the entire lineup to the plate, scoring six runs. Juan Carlo Presnell hit a two-run double and Pierce Castro had a 2-RBI single to put the game out of reach at 9-1.

Kole Guerrero and Haigan Dirige scored for the Friars in the first inning for the only runs their team needed for the win. Ayuyu finished 3-for-4 at the plate and scored a run. Colby Doyle and Evan Acosta also scored twice and had two hits each.

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