By Tim Peterson
(Temple City) – St. Anthony rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning and then held on in the bottom half to beat Temple City 2-1 Saturday to win the Division III Regional State Championship.
The Rams had held the 1-0 lead since the third inning when they scored on a base hit, a sacrifice and a throwing error. Kassandra Gewecke had made the lone run stand up as she sailed through the first six innings holding St. Anthony scoreless.
In the seventh, Rose Cano. who pitched a complete game for Saints, led off with a single to right field and Tye Claybrook ran for her. Nata Leomiti drew a walk and when a pitch got away from the catcher the runners took second and third. Miracle McKenzie (cool name) then slapped a base hit to center and both runners came around to score. McKenzie took second on the throw to the plate. Gewecke was able escape the inning without further damage but the Rams found themselves down 2-1.
Temple City had one last shot in the bottom of the seventh when Mia Guerrero singled to center with one out and Sheridan Gonzalez doubled over the head of the right fielder with two out. Guerrero may have had an opportunity to score but she was held at third. Cano was able to get the last out on a fly ball and the Saints celebration ensued.
Cano, allowed only the one unearned run in the third inning when Guerrero singled, took second on a sacrifice and scored on a two-base throwing error. Cano allowed four hits and struck out seven.
Cano had to be at the top of her game to outduel Gewecke who was equally up to the task. She also gave up just four hits and fanned four while walking only one.
For Temple City 2022 was a memorable season despite falling a buck short in the state championship. The Rams won the Rio Hondo League title with a perfect 12-0 record and also won the Division 4 CIF title and finished with an overall record of 26-7.
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