Baseball:
Maranatha came out a little flat to start Friday night’s showdown with last-place Whittier Christian in an Olympic League contest.
The Heralds jumped on Patrick DeMarco for five runs on three hits and three walks in the top of the first inning.
But the Minutemen got three in the bottom of the second and three more in the seventh for a walk-off, 6-5 victory.
To see a challenging week for those inside the Maranatha program finish this way it did seemed like good karma.
Cam Andrews RBI base hit to right provided the game winner.
Jackson Hisey and Davis Cornwell both provided three scoreless innings of relief apiece, and both struck out three WCHS batters.
Jack Stipa got the win after a scoreless seventh and the Minutemen rallying for three runs in the bottom frame.
Michael Flores got the loss, allowing three runs on five hits in the seventh inning.
Adrian Lopez went 3-for-4.
Ben Staub doubled, scored and had an RBI.
Dylan Zdunek singled and scored.
Mikey Ebner walked, singled, scored two runs and drove in one.
Garrett McGuigan walked, and had an RBI double.
Kade Bowden singled and Will Allen walked and scored.
Up next: The Minutemen will battle Mayfair on Saturday at 2, and then open a two-game series with Valley Christian on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, in Olympic League play.
Box Score:
WC: 5-0-0-0-0-0-0-(5)
M: 0-3-0-0-0-0-3-(6)
Win: Jack Stipa
Loss: Michael Flores
2B: Ben Stuab (M), Garrett McGuigan (M), Ryan Helvin (WC), Ben Allen (WC)
Records: Whittier Christian (5-10, 1-5); Maranatha (9-1, 5-0)