BELLFLOWER, CA – St. John Bosco Baseball Triumphs in Season Opener Against Orange Lutheran
In an electrifying opener of the Trinity League, the St. John Bosco baseball team showcased their resilience and skill with a nail-biting 2-1 walk-off victory against Orange Lutheran at their newly renovated field. The game kicked off a highly anticipated three-game series and was marked by standout performances, particularly from junior shortstop James Clark, who delivered the game-winning RBI single to secure the win for the Braves. Clark’s exceptional play not only reflects his dedication and commitment to the sport but also symbolizes the team’s hard work as they prepared for this crucial season opener.
James Clark, who is a junior committed to playing baseball at Princeton University, exhibited remarkable composure throughout the game, going 4 for 4 at the plate and contributing a significant double, along with the deciding single in the bottom of the seventh inning. After the game, Clark expressed his feelings about the victory, saying, "It means a lot… we really worked hard this week getting prepared, and just for it to all come through and get a win, it feels really good." His performance exemplified the balance of confidence and focus the Braves maintained under pressure, setting a positive tone for the matches to come.
The game featured a back-and-forth atmosphere, with St. John Bosco trailing 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. However, the Braves showcased their resolve through a strategic play by junior pinch hitter Noah Everly, who executed a successful sacrifice fly that allowed freshman second baseman Aaron Garcia to score and tie the game at one run apiece. This moment highlighted the team’s efforts in working collaboratively, reinforcing the essence of baseball as a team sport. With the score even, the stage was set for an exciting conclusion.
In the seventh inning, St. John Bosco made their move. Senior catcher Micah Taguiam initiated the rally by drawing a leadoff walk, allowing fellow senior Carlos Barajas to lay down a crucial sacrifice bunt that advanced Taguiam to second base. Simultaneously, junior center fielder Miles Clark and Garcia worked their way to get consecutive walks, loading the bases for junior James Clark. Facing relief pitcher Caden Miller from Orange Lutheran, the pressure was on. With one swing, Clark delivered the game-winning hit, igniting jubilation among teammates and fans alike as they celebrated a hard-fought victory.
The gritty matchup also showcased stellar pitching on both sides. St. John Bosco’s Trevor Heishman, who has signed with Memphis, exhibited a strong presence on the mound, overcoming early challenges to strike out key Orange Lutheran batters. He was supported by relief pitcher Brayden Krakowski, who earned the victory for the Braves, managing the pressure and keeping the Lancers at bay in the late innings. Orange Lutheran, meanwhile, was bolstered by senior pitcher Colt Peterson, a Stanford commit, who had an impressive outing and kept the Braves’ offense at bay for much of the game, allowing only four hits and one run before being relieved.
The triumph over Orange Lutheran improved St. John Bosco’s overall record to 9-3 and marked their 1-0 start in Trinity League play, heralding a strong beginning for the season. Braves’ coach Andy Rojo recognized the game’s significance against the backdrop of the team’s hard work, stating, "It was going to be a mentality game… They stayed focused and really outstanding way to open up the brand new field." While Orange Lutheran was unable to secure the win, they put up a strong fight and demonstrated their own competitive edge, led by senior second baseman Wyatt Hanoian, who contributed with an RBI single earlier in the game.
As the series continues, both teams are set to build on this exhilarating opener, with St. John Bosco looking to maintain their momentum and Orange Lutheran seeking redemption. The excitement of high school baseball is palpable in Bellflower, underscoring the thrilling dynamics of Trinity League competition. The outstanding performances and intense moments witnessed in this opening game not only highlight the individual talents of these young athletes but also reflect their commitment to the sport, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
With the first game concluded, the stage is now set for the next face-off in this riveting series. Fans can expect continued thrilling competition as St. John Bosco and Orange Lutheran battle it out, showcasing the best in high school baseball talent in Southern California. Stay tuned for more action and updates as the season progresses, and witness the exciting days ahead in the Trinity League.
