By Corey Kwok
(El Monte) – Arroyo scored four times in the first inning and Mark Roche twirled a complete game four hitter to lead Arroyo to a 6-1 win over Gabrielino Friday in Mission Valley League action.
The Knights also got terrific defense from both Jonathan Becerra at first base and Josh Arambula in right field. With the win, Arroyo moved to a 1/2 game behind driver’s seat holder South El Monte with 8 games to go.
Arambula highlighted the Knights’ first inning by converting a 3-2 offering off the Eagles’ starter Andrew Valdez into a two run triple deep into center for a 2-0 lead. He later made it 3-0 on a passed ball. Steven Adame walked an out later only to score after a string of three more free passes.
Valdez, (0-5), for the second time this season never escaped the first, and was replaced by Vince Albelo, who issued two runs on six hits over 4 and two-thirds.
The Eagles scrapped out their lone run in the second on a two out rally as Albelo singled before moving to third on a hit batter and a walk. He then scored on an infield error on Johnny Moreno’s hit to shortstop. Albelo finished 2 for 2 with a walk, and Keith Clapp also had a pair of hits as he legged out two infield singles.
Arroyo added one in both the fourth and fifth to pad their lead. Roman Davalos singled and scored the fifth run after singles by David Guerrero, Anthony Miller, and an overthrow towards home on Alex Solis’ fielder’s choice to third base. The last run came as Arambula drew a walk, moved to third as Michael Amaya and Steven Adame both laid down bunt singles and scored on a Becerra fielder’s choice.
Roche finished by retiring the side in order and sending 12 of the last 14 batters packing.
G 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 4 2
A 4 0 0 1 1 0 X – 6 8 2
G: Valdez, Albelo (1), Brendan Campbell (7) – Clapp
A: Roche – Adame
3B: Arambula (A) 1 out btm 1st 2 RBI.
2B: Adame (A) 1 out btm 3rd.
K’s: Roche (A) 4, Albelo (G) 3, Valdez (G) 1
W – Roche CG 7 IP 4 H 4 K’s 1 unearned run
L – Valdez
Gabrielino 8-9/4-3
Arroyo 7-6/5-2
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