Edgar Melik-Stepanyan
Both teams had their minds set on something else, so, as a result,
the nonleague baseball contest between Flintridge Prep and Providence
didn't have much to offer in the excitement category.
Flintridge Prep was looking forward to this week's crucial Prep
League games against Claremont Webb and Pasadena Poly, respectively.
And Providence was excited about something else: next season.
But the Rebels and Pioneers still had a game to play, one that
Flintridge Prep won Saturday, 10-3, at the Glendale Sports Complex in
its final regular-season home contest of the season.
"We really looked at this [game] as a tune-up for this week," said
Rebel Coach Buzz Cook.
"But it was nice to finish the season at home that way."
It was nice -- at least for the Rebels -- to see a balanced
performance from Flintridge Prep's offense.
Six players scored at least once -- with Ryan Hawkins leading his
team with three runs. Scott Hofer scored twice, and Matt Stein, Eric
Sarkissian, Austin Raines, Max Armand and Joe Costner each had one
run.
Flintridge Prep (9-11) got on the board early, as it had seven
hits and seven runs through four innings, chasing Providence starting
pitcher Justin Nepomuceno in the process.
Nepomuceno allowed eight runs, seven earned, and six hits in 3 1/3
innings.
Nepomuceno and relief pitcher Andrew Nelson also combined to walk
seven and hit one batter, and the Rebels took advantage of the
mistakes.
"[The walks] hurt us," Pioneer Coach Blaine Anderson said.
"They are a good team. They played well. They look like a playoff
team to me."
Even though Providence (7-10) might not make the playoffs,
Anderson is optimistic about his team's future.
And he has reason to be, especially with eight underclassmen in
his starting lineup, including Nelson, Eddie Kim and Louis Garcia,
who each scored a run against the Rebels.
"Next year looks real good," Anderson said. "We should contend
[for the playoffs] next year. We're in real good shape."
Providence's Corwin Sanchez had two singles and drove in a run.
Nepomuceno, a senior, also had two singles.
