Baseball Takes First Series In Western State Conference Play

GLENDALE, CA - The LAVC Baseball team took the first series of Western State Conference play, going 2-1 against Glendale last week. 

The first two games of the series were a bit of an offensive struggle for the Monarchs, who relied on pitching the entire series.  Game one saw a RBI single from Sebastian Garcia, a RBI ground out from Jackson Frankovich and a Will White RBI double, that proved to be the winning run of the game.  It was two pitchers who held the Vaqueros to their two runs.  Daniel Tovar got the start and the win going seven innings, giving up just one run and striking out 10.  Ryan Higgins pitched the last two innings, also giving up just one run and getting the save. 

Game two, the offensive struggles continued, with the Monarchs scoring no runs in six innings.  Pitcher Cole Clark pitched an excellent game, giving up just two runs in the six and one third innings he pitched, giving the Monarchs a chance to win.  After a few chances with runners in scoring position, Glendale held on to the shutout.  A rain and lightening storm came in, the game was called and, according to Western State Conference rules, the game was over, the Monarchs lost 2-0.

The rubber match of the series was played at Glendale, where the offense finally showed what it can do.  Royce Clayton, Jr. (pictured) hit a home run and had two runs batted in for the Monarchs.  Sebastian Garcia also had two RBIs in the game. Eddie Zapata led with two hits and scored one run.  Once again, though, pitching carried the Monarchs to the win.  Matt Sanders got the win throwing five innings giving up zero runs.  Solomon Margolis gave up the one run on a lead off home run, but bounced right back to get three outs.  Drew Gustafson then finished the game throwing the final three innings, giving up zero runs and just one hit over those three.

Over all, the Monarchs got the series win and an excellent start in Western State Conference play.  Their next series is against West L.A., with the first game coming on Tuesday, March 12 at West L.A. at 2:30 p.m.