Last Tuesday, the De Anza Dons’ baseball team proved that dedication pays off.

Coming into the game with no playoff hopes, the Dons had struggled through the season. However the team was able to pull together, and defeated Monterey Peninsula College 8-1.

The huge win was due to a stunning seven run first inning. After a leadoff walk, first baseman Alex Chavarria started the Dons’ first inning by hitting a two-run homerun. “We played hard … we won … we played a good game,” said Chavarria.

Following the homerun, third baseman Francisco Castaneda walked to first and designated hitter Ryan Armer doubled, extending the Dons’ lead to 3-0.

Second baseman Scott Dierks was hit by a pitch, putting De Anza runners on first and second, followed by Center fielder Brian Filizetti hitting a double. This drove in Armer and Dierks, pushing the Dons’ lead to 5-0.

Catcher Dan Barczi followed with a walk. Sergio Salcedo singled in two more runs. With the bases loaded, Chavarria grounded into a double play, ending the inning and the offensive onslaught powering the Dons to a 7-0 first inning lead.

“Our pitching was outstanding … our defense played excellent … we did enough to win … but we can still improve,” said the Dons Head Coach Scott Hertler.

Starting pitcher Adam Wellersdick pitched a shutout for 5 innings, but was then relieved. “I was very happy in the way I pitched today … lots of good fastballs … great control … but I was disappointed at not being given the chance at to pitch a shutout,” said Wellersdick.

With a new pitcher on the mound, Nick Rouvaris, Monterey was able to rally in the sixth inning. Monterey led the inning off with two singles and were putting pressure on the Dons’ defense.

After allowing one run to cross the plate, the Dons’ defense halted the rally by churning out four double plays, three of them inning ending.

The Dons added one run in the sixth, extending their lead to 8-1 and not allowing a single hit in the final three innings, securing the 8-1 victory.

The Dons finish out their season on Thursday, against College of San Mateo, at De Anza, 2:00 p.m.