Forty-seven days ago, Bonita lost a one-run contest to Ayala and were 1-1 in Palomares League play.
Fast forward to April 24 and the Bearcats are not only on a 12-game league win streak, they have also earned the title of Palomares League champions.
The Bearcats weathered a five-run seventh inning from Glendora.
They got one run in the bottom of the seventh to claim a 6-5 victory in yet another close game.
Bonita is 4-1 in one-run league games.
Chad Cornelius had a game all seniors would die for, especially considering what was on the line.
Cornelius went 3 for 3, with two home runs, a double, three runs scored and three RBIs.
Bryan Perez went the distance for GHS.
Perez surrendered six runs (five earned) on nine hits.
He walked one and struck out seven Bonita batters.
Nick Mistone walked, singled and scored and Joe La Fountain went 2 for 4 and scored one run.
AJ Moreno had an RBI base hit for the Bearcats.
Isaac Mendez went the first 6 2/3 innings.
He allowed five runs (none earned) on four hits.
Mendez walked three and struck out seven.
Luke Mistone got the final out in the top of the seventh and he was rewarded with the win.
Jacob Gonzalez had an RBI single for GHS.
Cade Marshman walked, singled and had an RBI.
Matt Gonzales doubled, scored and drove in three of the Tartans’ five runs.
Jake Peralta and Ethan Lewis both singled and scored.
Braydon Wooldridge walked twice and scored once.
Up next: GHS will host Bonita in Friday’s regular season finale for both programs.
GHS has locked up third place in the Palomares League and have already earned their postseason spot.
Quotable:
Bonita coach Ryan Marcos: “It started in August with the weights and conditioning. I’ve been around a lot of baseball teams and these guys have bought into the total package of nutrition, strength conditioning and getting the job done on the field and in the classroom. They know every moment matters and they trust the process. The seniors have stepped up and worked hard because they care a lot. A different guy has stepped up for us all year long with big plays. It doesn’t matter who comes in, they just get the job done. It’s definitely something special to be part of. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys. But we still have work to do.”
Bonita senior Isaac Mendez: “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Glendora is a really good team, but our guys battled throughout. It wasn’t one of our best games of the year, but we found a way to win. Coming into the season, no one expected us to win league, and that makes this even more special for all of us.”
Bonita senior Chad Cornelius: “It felt great to go out there and have a good day at the plate to help the team win the Palomares League championship for the first time ever.”
Bonita junior AJ Moreno: “It was a good win with Chad coming up clutch with his two home runs and Isaac’s pitching.”
Box Score:
G: 0-0-0-0-0-0-5-(5)
B: 0-1-0-3-0-1-1-(6)
Win: Luke Mistone
Loss: Bryan Perez
HR: Chad Cornelius (B) 2
2B: Matt Gonzales (G), Chad Cornelius (B)
Wednesday’s Palomares League Scores:
Ayala 5, Claremont 1
Bonita 6, Glendora 5
Alta Loma 14, Colony 2
Palomares League Standings:
Bonita (22-6, 13-1)
Ayala (23-5, 11-3)
Glendora (15-12, 8-6)
Alta Loma (9-14, 6-8)
Colony (7-21, 2-12)
Claremont (10-21, 2-12)
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