California City Rallies Past High Desert 9-8

June 30 2017 The California City Whiptails rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat the High Desert Yardbirds 9-8. High Desert collected 16 hits to California City’s 13, but the Whiptails erased an 8-3 deficit with three runs in the sixth, five in the seventh and one in the eighth. The Yardbirds were held scoreless over the final five innings.

High Desert built its early lead with two runs in the first inning, one in the third and five in the fourth. Dylan Kester, Shane Brown and Anthony Hawkins each drove in two runs, while Hawkins hit a home run. Blake Butcher added three hits and an RBI, and Dominic Zaher and Kester each finished with two hits.

California City’s comeback was led by Maikel Serrano, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, and Tino Mention, who had two hits, a run and an RBI. Robert De La Hoz hit a two-run home run and finished with two RBI. Austin Marcellus and Juandy Mendoza also drove in runs for the Whiptails.

Billy Roth earned the win after allowing three hits and no runs in 3.2 innings with two strikeouts. Kevin Kelleher recorded the save with two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. High Desert starter Cooper Wetherbee allowed six runs on nine hits in 6.1 innings with seven strikeouts, while AJ Epstein took the loss after surrendering the go-ahead run in two innings.