Sox erupt for 12 runs

A stellar defense protected two big innings of runs and boosted the Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox past the San Diego Stars 12-1 at All Seasons RV Stadium on Friday.

The Gold Sox (9-1) scored three runs in the second inning, six in the third and two more in the sixth, while protecting the lead with a stubborn defense that forced San Diego's 11 hits to go to waste.

"These guys came out here and competed tonight," said Gold Sox manager Jack Johnson. "It was a good effort after a long ball game last night."

The win came after the Gold Sox edged the Stars 4-3 in 15 innings on Thursday night.

"Offensively, we did great," Johnson said. "Daniel Walker was the catalyst for us."

With some aggressive hitting, Walker finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI, while Hunter Martinez went 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Brock Stassi also scored three runs.

After going down in order in the first inning, the Gold Sox got the bats going when Jeff McCall singled to right field to lead off the second. Jacob Bruns followed with a walk, and with one out and the hit-and-run on, Stassi grounded to shortstop, but reached on an overthrow to first and McCall scored from second base.

With two outs, Martinez walked and Nick Ramos hit a two-RBI single to give the Gold Sox a 3-0 lead.

In the third, Walker knocked in Bret Ringer, who led off with a walk, Stassi walked to load the bases and Travis Simas was hit by a pitch, which scored Bruns, who singled to get on.

Martinez then drilled a two-RBI single, and with one out, after going 0-for-7 on Thursday, Blake Crosby got off the schnide with a two-RBI single, giving the Gold Sox a commanding 9-0 lead.

The Sox picked up two more runs in the sixth off three hits by Walker, Stassi and Martinez, who slapped a two-RBI single, and scored one more in the eighth, when Simas knocked in Walker.

The bats improved after the Gold Sox had a dismal outing on Thursday. Meanwhile, the defense, which was outstanding the night before, was near-perfect.

The Sox's defense helped starter Zach Dayton out of a few early jams, but then the right-hander settled in midway through the game.

"He (Dayton) scattered some hits, but those were mostly seeing-eye singles," Johnson said. "He had a goal tonight and he accomplished it."

Dayton got the win after going 62⁄3 innings. He gave up 10 hits, and allowed one earned run and no walks. There were several key defensive plays that assisted Dayton's cause.

In the first, left fielder Stassi gunned down Bryson Lukacik, who was trying to score on a single by Brian Ritayik, to end the inning.

A 4-6-3 double play broke up consecutive singles by the Stars in the second and then a 1-2-6 double play with a strikeout ended the third inning.

After a 4-6-3 double play in the fourth, Dayton (3-0) added a strikeout to finish the Stars off, and a spectacular leaping catch by Ramos ended the fifth.

The Stars stranded nine base runners after leaving 13 on the night before.

K.J. Childs came on in relief in the seventh and Jack Mikel wrapped things up for the Sox in the ninth.

Stars starter Joe Inzone had a rough outing, being pulled in the third after giving up six earned runs on eight hits and four walks. Frank Allen came on in relief and went 42⁄3 innings, before teammate Taylor Klugman threw the final inning.

The Stars' Mario Knorr, Ritayik, Robby Scott and Taylor Rzepka each went 2-for-4. Scott scored San Diego's lone run in the seventh after roping a double.

GOLD SOX 12, STARS 1

WP: Zach Dayton (3-0)

LP: Joe Inzone (0-1)

Next: 7 p.m. today vs. San Diego Stars at All Seasons RV Stadium

Radio: KUBA (1600 AM, 95.5 FM

Contact sports reporter Bryan DeMain at bdemain@appeal-democrat.com or at 749-4796.