LATHROP — Salida broke open a one-run game with five runs in the sixth inning Tuesday and went on to a 9-5 semifinal win over Northgate in District 67 Junior All-Star action at Mossdale Landing Park.
Trailing 9-3 going into the seventh, Zac McCasland (run) and John Perazzo (2 for 5) led off the frame with back-to-back singles for Northgate. Anthony Flores (3 for 4, double, two RBI) knocked in both McCasland and Perazzo with a one-out double, but the game ended with Flores at third following a lineout to the pitcher and a strikeout.
Evan Jeffery got Northgate on the board in the first inning after he reached on a fielder’s choice. Jeffery took second on a pickoff attempt that went astray and third when Flores reached on an error. Jeffery scored on a balk to make the score 1-0.
Luke Abrew led off the fourth inning for Northgate with a grounder that was too hot to handle that got Abrew to first. Ivan Vieira belted Abrew home on a double and later scored on an error to draw Northgate within 4-3.
Salida had the bases loaded with two out in the third inning when Flores broke from center field and sprinted to make a diving catch on a shallow fly ball, keeping at least two Salida runs off the board.
Northgate and Spreckels Park play this afternoon at 5:30 in the consolation final with the winner advancing to the championship round Saturday morning at 11 against Salida.