The De Anza College baseball team shut out City College of San Francisco Tues. Mar. 3 in a 9-0 game.
De Anza third baseman Alex Martinez started his second game on the mound and went six strong innings.
Entering the first inning, the Dons put themselves on the board early. Joey Shimono, Ryan Johnson, and Martinez loaded the bases along with a walk by TJ Conroy, putting the Dons’ up 1-0. First baseman Justin Edgar’s single combined with an error by the Rams increased the Dons lead to 4-0.
The Dons took the field in the second and Martinez set the Rams down in order. A hit to center field by Conroy, let Johnson and Shimono score and the errors continued to pile up for the Rams. Martinez ran home, making the score 7-0.
Hitting in all the right spots and gaps, De Anza couldn’t find a way to score in the next two innings. The Rams caught on quickly to the Dons strategy of play, making changes in the outfield, which strengthened their defense.
In the fifth inning, outfielder Nate Bock reached base and in the blink of an eye stole second as well as third. Stolen bases were still not enough for the Dons to get runs in the inning.
Pitcher John Buchman came in for Martinez in the seventh and was able to hold the lead. Struggling through the inning, the Dons made minor changes in the lineup hoping it would increase the chances of changing score.
The Dons loaded the bases in the eighth inning with some help from Rams errors. Johnson scored, followed by Martinez making the score 9-0.
Closing out the game, De Anza brought in Alex Zarate to finish off the Rams and take the win.
“It’s a great win after a rough week,” Zarate said.
The Dons face Hartnell College Tuesday March 10 at 2 p.m.