Braves blank Trojans in playoff opener

The Hamilton High boys baseball team rose above mid-game turmoil and a determined Quincy side on Friday afternoon, thwarting the Trojans 7-0 in the first round of the NSCIF Division IV playoffs.

The game began quietly, with nether team able to score in the first two innings. The Braves gained momentum and the lead in the bottom of the third inning, when Trevor Simmons, Theron Fumasi and Briley Fumasi all scored, making it 3-0.

The temperature of the matchup changed a few moments later when Cody Deitz, after driving in a run, took off for second on Andrew Shippelhoute's ground ball. As Deitz went into second with a hard slide, he slid into the Quincy second baseman, who got the force out but was spiked on the play.

As Quincy players and coaches sprung from the dugout, eager to aid their teammate who seemed to be hurt, Trojans head coach Bob Hatzell directed some profanity toward the Hamilton side. The home-plate umpire restored order and cautioned both benches to get back to the game, after ruling that Deitz's slide was not malicious.

After the dust had settled in the bottom of the third, the game continued with the Braves maintaining control of their emotions and taking care of things between the lines.

Both sides appeared to hit an offensive wall during the latter portion of the meeting, with neither team scoring until the Braves turned it on in the bottom of the sixth, when the home team decided to put it into overdrive and go for the win.

Adolfo Diaz, Ricky Pompa, and Shea Shull all reached base to load them up, and Sam Diaz then doubled in Diaz and Pompa. Trevor Simmons singled in Shull, and Briley Fumasi also delivered Diaz with a single to give the Braves a 7-0 lead over the imploding Trojans.

Braves' coach Hogan Brown commended his side for the win, along with keeping their cool in a game that was at times a little heated, saying, "We hit some big winners, the players did a good job today. These players have been playing for a long time; they know the game and they know that at times it can get intense- it's all part of it."

He added, "Today's game was played very tentative, with both teams trying to keep above the water and get the win. We worked hard and we played smart."

Diaz singled and doubled to lead the Braves with two hits, also leading the team with his two RBI.

Andrew Shippelhoute pitched a beauty, scattering four hits and striking out 11, while only walking three.

Hamilton (17-7) and the No, 3 seed, traveled to second-seeded Portola on Tuesday.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com