Page 14 - Dinuba Sentinel 7-12-18

B6 | Thursday, July 12, 2018
Sports
The Dinuba Sentinel
Waiting for the runner at third
George M. Villagrana | The Sentinel Team Blue third baseman Alexsus Villanueva gets ready to tag a baserunner during the early moments of the Dinuba Majors softball all-star game
on Friday.
OC Knights shine in Fresno Tournament
Cal Ripken
Continued from Page B1
Dinuba started the tournament on a strong note with an exciting 5-4 win over Bullard. Down 4-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Dinuba tied the game on a solo home run by Noah Gonzalez. Armando Mejia followed with a single and moved to third on passed balls. De La Cerda was intentionally walked and he too benefitted from a pass ball moving to second base. That is when the team caught a break. With one out, batter Matthew Guido hustled to first base on a dropped third strike causing some confusion for Bullard that allowed Mejia to score the game winning win.
Dinuba struck first scoring two runs in the bottom of the third. Carmelo Mendoza had a
leadoffsingleadvancingtothird on two wild pitches. Mendoza scored on an error and Prendez, who drew a walk, stole home.
Both teams scored a run in the fourth but it appeared Bullard had the momentum scoring three runs in the top of the sixth before Dinuba’s stunning rally.
The team then faced Bakersfield and got off to a quick start scoring four runs in the top half of the first inning. Bakersfield countered with three runs in the bottom half of the frame and pushed across four runs in the second. Dinuba wouldn’t score again until they scored twice top half of the sixth.
De La Cruz had two hits and drove in a pair of runs while Prendez and Pena each had three hits.
Photos contributed
The OC Knights softball teams had a great showing in the Get Ready for State tournament in Fresno in June. The 14’s, 12’s and 10 and under squads each finished second overall in the Silver Bracket. There are two tournaments remaining before the conclusion of the summer season.
TOP LEFT: The OC Knights 14 and under softball team. LEFT: The OC Knights 10 and under softball team. ABOVE: The OC Knights 12 and under softball team.