California City Whiptails Outslug High Desert Yardbirds 15-9

July 13 2018 The California City Whiptails defeated the High Desert Yardbirds 15-9 at Balsitis Park, overcoming a 16-hit effort from High Desert with 11 hits of their own. California City took control with three runs in the fourth inning and four more in the fifth to turn a 4-2 deficit after three innings into a 9-4 lead.

Ryan Rodriguez powered the Whiptails offense by going 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI. Tino Mention added one hit, two runs and three RBI, while Hunter Villanueva drove in two runs and Peter Pena went 2-for-2 with two RBI. California City added three runs in the sixth and two in the eighth to maintain its advantage.

High Desert received a pair of home runs and four RBI from Shane Brown. Ronnie Grant also homered and drove in a run, while Andrew Calderone collected three hits and two RBI. Kent Blackstone had three hits, and Eric Schneider contributed two hits and a home run.

Justin Kortessis earned the win for California City after allowing 11 hits and six runs in six innings, with two walks and four strikeouts. Albert Neff, Kyle Porter and Brandon Anderson completed the game in relief. Kade Wagner took the loss for High Desert after surrendering seven runs in 4.1 innings.