By Corey Kwok
(Menifee) – Gabrielino took a 2-1 lead in the fifth, but Heritage tied it in the sixth and then walked off with a 3-2 win in the eighth to oust the Eagles Tuesday in the second round of the Division 5 CIF playoffs.
The Eagles grabbed the advantage in the top of the fifth when Johnny Moreno reached on a two base error on a ground ball. Joey Sloane sacrificed him to third and Angel Acosta singled to left to drive him home.
The Eagles scored first in the fourth when Matt Lok walked and Keith Clapp doubled. Brendan Campbell’s ground ball then scored Lok.
Heritage tied in the bottom of the fourth but the Eagles surged back before the Patriots ultimately prevailed.
Gabrielino had an opportunity when Moreno singled to lead off the top of the eighth but the next three batters went down.
Andrew Valdez started for Gabrielino and ended up with a no decision. He pitched well striking out seven and allowing just three hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Acosta, coming off 124 pitch effort Friday against Paraclete, came on late but was unable to stop Heritage and suffered the heartbreaking defeat.
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