The Bonita Vista Barons have played two Mesa League games thus far to open defense of their league title and, with a 2-0 record following a sweep of the Chula Vista Spartans, it’s a matter of so far, so good.
The Barons opened league play April 13 with an 8-0 victory at CVHS and followed with an 8-3 win at BVHS on April 15.
The victories raised Bonita Vista’s record to 9-6 overall entering this week’s 61st Lions tournament.
The Barons started the season 0-6.
“We’re coming around, playing more consistently,” BVHS coach Vincent Gervais said.
Troy Cruz stymied the Spartans on a one-hitter in the teams’ series opener, striking out 10 batters. He also drove in two runs to help his own cause at the plate.
Justin DiStefano and Raymon Campillo each stroked a pair of doubles, with Campillo finishing the game with two RBI. Carlos Herrera also drove in two runs while Alexis Ayala and Brian Lockey each had two hits.
In the return match-up, DiStefano homered and collected three RBI in the game while starting pitcher Anthony Olivieri drove in two runs. Cruz, Ayala and Lockey each had one RBI while Cruz and DiStefano each scored two runs.
Olivieri went five innings, with six strikeouts and scattered five hits. Tim Jurries hurled two innings, with three strikeouts and allowed two hits.
The Barons are 4-0 in Metro tournament play with victories against San Ysidro (6-5 on March 23), Olympian (8-2 on March 25), Sweetwater (7-6 on March 26) and Castle Park (8-0 on April 2),
Ayala (13) and Campillo (12) led BVHS in RBI count entering the Lions tourney while Cruz owned a 3-2 record and 2.69 ERA.
