By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Indians downed by Central Catholic
Placeholder Image
RIPON – Mitchell Evans didn’t expect to see his Ripon Indians surrender double-digit runs to Modesto’s Central Catholic when they squared off Friday afternoon.

But he was pleased to see life in his squad during the early part of the season the Indians drove in six runs against the reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Division V champions in a 10-6 loss in the third game of their preseason schedule.

“Central Catholic is one of those teams that you like to measure yourself against, and we were able to put the ball in play today and that was good to see,” Evans said. “We still need to put a game together where we execute cleanly – unearned runs definitely killed us today.

“To have a showing like we did today against a team of that caliber is a really good sign.”

Ripon’s Hayden Cook pitched 6.1 innings in the battle, and executed every time he stepped up to the plate. He finished 3 for 3 on the day.

It was Jared Macedo, however, who would make the most of his time in the batter’s box.  While playing on his birthday, Macedo finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs and ah homerun in the contest that helped keep Ripon in the game.
But Central Catholic was able to inflict their damage as well.

The Raiders’ Billy Flamion seemed to have Cook’s number in his plate appearances – hammering in two doubles and belting a shot that left the park and allowed Central Catholic to hold a comfortable lead that they would never really jeopardize.

In Evans’ eyes, Friday’s game showed both the coaches and the players that the Indians have the tools to win baseball games as long as they execute when needed.

“We were playing against a program that year in and year  out is one of the best in the area. And I’m pleased to see us put up some of the numbers that we did today,” Evans said. “This shows us what we need to do, and that’s what games at this point in the season are supposed to do.

“Central Catholic is a great baseball program, and they played like it today. It was just good to see us fight to stay in this game against a team like that.”