Josh Feld drove in seven runs, including a pair of two-run doubles, Thursday afternoon in Santa Maria, helping lead the North County Christian School baseball team to a 23-1 Coast Valley League win over Valley Christian Academy.

The junior right-hander also struck out 10 Lions in the five-inning shortened game, while allowing only three hits.

The Crusaders took advantage of six first-inning walks as they put up eight runs. T.J. Mitchell walked twice in the opening frame, scoring both times, as Lion starter Patrick Doupe struggled with his control. After Mitchell’s initial walk, the senior shortstop swiped second and third before scoring on an errant pick-off throw by VCA catcher Drew Schettler. In the meantime, Matt Jespersen also drew a walk before stealing second and advancing to third on Schettler’s overthrow. Feld hit a fly ball to center deep enough to score Jespersen, but Louis Caric failed to make the play anyway.

A single by Jared Kahler to left field was followed by a walk to Caleb Katches, loading the bases, before Travis Roth’s grounder to shortstop forced Feld at the plate for the first out of the inning. After Keelan Willison popped out to shortstop, consecutive walks to Josh Chastain, Tyler Roth and Mitchell forced in three more Crusader runs. Jespersen reached when Doupe misplayed his comebacker, helping score Chastain. Feld then slammed a double down the left field line, scoring Tyler Roth and Mitchell.

For the complete article see the 04-15-2009 issue.

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