In a highly anticipated Freeway League clash, the Fullerton Indians emerged victorious over Buena Park Coyotes with a competitive 6-3 scoreline on Tuesday. Miguel Velazquez, a Cal State Fullerton signee, emerged as the offensive star for the Indians, showcasing an impressive performance at the plate. The talented batter recorded 3 hits in 4 at-bats, including two home runs and a double. His contributions extended to the defensive side, where he earned 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
On the mound, Eddie Acitia demonstrated exceptional pitching prowess, completing the game and surrendering only 6 hits. His outstanding performance propelled his record to an impressive 5-0. Fullerton head coach Shaun Hill expressed his admiration for the team’s collective effort, attributing their success to the contributions of every player, regardless of their position. Bench players, pinch hitters, pinch runners, and bullpen pitchers played vital roles in securing the victory.
Buena Park, currently ranked 20th in Orange County, maintained their competitive spirit throughout the contest. Despite the loss, they remain in the playoff hunt and will square off against Fullerton once more on Thursday in the final regular season game. The Coyotes currently share second place with La Habra, while Sunny Hills and Sonora are tied for third. The top three finishers in the six-team league will automatically qualify for the highly anticipated CIF-SS playoffs.
During the pivotal third inning, Velazquez displayed his power at the plate with a solo homer, leveling the score for Fullerton. In the fourth, a crucial error allowed pinch runner Nick Galindo of Buena Park to score from third, temporarily giving the Coyotes a 3-2 advantage. Undeterred, Fullerton reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Zach Fanny initiated the rally with a leadoff single, and Velazquez followed suit with a towering two-run homer, putting the Indians back in control at 4-3.
Velazquez narrowly missed hitting his third homer in the sixth but settled for a resounding double off the batter’s eye in center field. Malachi Meni capitalized on the opportunity, driving in Velazquez with a single, extending Fullerton’s lead to 5-3. Wayne Warden added to the scoring spree later in the inning with a single, securing a three-run cushion for the Indians.
After yielding the Coyotes’ third run, Acitia showcased his resilience, retiring 10 of the final 11 batters he faced. He maintained composure, retiring the side in both the fifth and seventh innings, solidifying Fullerton’s victory.
Velazquez reflected on his performance, expressing satisfaction in bouncing back from a previous slump where he went 1 for 8 in two games. His determination to contribute to the team’s success propelled him to a stellar performance in the crucial matchup. Velazquez’s overall stats for the Coyotes are equally impressive, as he leads the team in home runs, doubles, runs, RBIs, and stolen bases.
