MidValleySports.Com

By Corey Kwok

(Rosemead) – Rosemead capitalized on four errors for a 3-0 first inning lead, but then had to rally later to beat El Monte 8-7 Wednesday and remain perfect in the MVL.

After Rosemead loaded the bases without an out in the fifth on two hits and a walk, Matthew Campos hit an RBI single to score Jonathan Chavez (1-3, SB) and bring the Panthers within one. It prompted a pitching change by El Monte from starter Julian Valera to Josh Martinez.

Marcus Gomez (1-3, SB) then walked in Angel Lopez to tie the game before Dominic Correa (1-3) singled home Armani Garcia for a go-ahead run. Oscar Noriega brought Gomez in to add another and cap the comeback.

Campos led the Panthers in hits by going 3 for 3 with two RBIs and a run, while Garcia (2-4, SB) topped the scoring tally with three runs.

Angel Lopez (4-2, 3.67 ERA) dealt six strikeouts against a walk and batter hit by pitch in a hard-fought complete game effort braving through a seven run, 10 hit pelting to earn his fourth MVL pitching win.

Isaiah Morales (2-4, 2 runs) lit up the lawn each time he led off an inning at bat for El Monte, first with a inside-the-park home run driven to right field that sparked a five run third inning outburst, before tripling to right center and later scoring off a passed ball in the sixth to bring the Lions within one.

Three other players for El Monte finished with multiple hits, including relief pitcher Josh Martinez (2-4, 2 runs), George Benitez (2-4, RBI, run, SB), and Johnny Alvarez (2-4, run, RBI double), while Juan Amaya (1-3) had an RBI double and a team high two RBIs.

Rosemead heads into Spring break at 9-0 in league (10-6 overall) and will return to action with a home duel against arch rival and second place Arroyo in yet another crucial MVL match between the two on Wednesday April 30th at 3:15 PM. El Monte fell to 1-8 and 1-11 on the year.