Baseball narrowly wins against rival Redondo

By Ryan Ulrich
Staff Writer

The Mira Costa baseball team battled against rival Redondo Union High School on Tuesday, maintaining its composure during all seven innings and winning with a final score of 5-4.
The Mustangs came into the game as the underdogs as Redondo had an undefeated Bay League record of 8-0 and Mira Costa held a record of 6-2.
“We played some great baseball,” senior shortstop Robert White said. “Redondo is a great team, and we definitely played our hardest. There was some good competition between us.”
Redondo came out strong, scoring two runs in the first inning and one in the second inning, while Mira Costa still had zero points on the board.
“Both teams played really well,” senior pitcher Michael Rumpp said. “Although we started slow, we didn’t let that change the way we were playing, and we kept fighting and it earned us a win.”
In the top of the third, a hit from senior designated hitter Luke Jelmini allowed junior center fielder Reese Alexiades, sophomore right fielder Rene Houseman and junior left fielder Ty Conrad to make it home, tying the game at 3-3.
“The whole inning was insane,” Jelmini said. “A few of us had nice hits that inning. It was a big accolade for our team, proving that we could come back from being down and get the win.”
In the top of the fifth inning, a bunt by Houseman allowed senior pitcher Adam Reinart to score for the Mustangs, putting Costa up 4-3. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Redondo scored another run after an error by the Mustangs, tying the score at 4-4. In the top of the seventh inning, junior designated hitter Jason Schwartz was able to make it home from third base after a line-drive single from White.
“It felt great to score the winning run,” Schwartz said. “The team has worked incredibly hard all season, and everyone contributes to every game.”
In the bottom of the inning, the Seahawks were unable to score and the Mustangs held on, 5-4.
“We had an outstanding win today,” junior pitcher Trevor Franklin said. “The timing of this win could not have been better, and I am just amazed at the way the entire team played today. Truthfully, I am at a loss for words.”
Rumpp pitched for a majority of the game. Franklin and freshman Jesse Story also pitched during the game.
“We played great and battled hard,” White said.
The Mustangs face off against Redondo Union High School today at Costa at 2:45 p.m. This game will determine the Bay League champion.
“Going into the championships, the pressure is really on Redondo,” Rumpp said. “We were able to earn a win at their home, and I think they will have more pressure and nerves affecting them when they play us.”