Dons Punch Ticket to State for the Third Time in Four Years
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - TICKETS BROADCASTS TOURNAMENT BRACKET
SANTA ANA, Calif. - For the third time in four years, the Santa Ana College baseball team punched its ticket to the 3C2A State Championships following a sweep of No. 14 Fullerton College (26-23) in the Regional Final.
The No. 2 seeded Dons (40-6-1) played their brand of baseball as they out hit the Hornets, scoring 11 runs in each game to advance.
SAC saw the usual production throughout the lineup during the series but it was sophomore catcher Carlos Morales who stepped up in his final two home games as he racked up five hits and just as many RBI while launching his first two home runs of the season.
When asked what was working for him at the plate this series, Morales credited his preparation and teammates.
"Every day I come here early, get my work in and just trust all the work I put in," said Morales. "It's easy to play with these guys, I love them so much and being in that dugout makes me a better player."
In addition to the offense, the Dons got some clutch performances from their bullpen.
Adrian Villegas entered game one in the seventh inning with runners on second and third, and just one out in a 6-4 ball game. The hard throwing right hander struck out two of the three batters he saw to get the hold and stop the Fullerton rally.
In game two, it was Johnny Morales who carried the Dons out of the bullpen as the sophomore threw final three and two thirds, striking out five and giving up just one run for his first career save.
Santa Ana will get a day of extra rest as the only team to advance on day two of the finals. They are set to play the winner of either the Feather River/West Valley matchup or Ohlone/Santa Rosa series at Irvine Great Park on Saturday, May 23rd. The winner of Palomar and Santa Barbara City will be the other team to represent the South at the State Championships.
