The Taylor Ducks completed the season series sweep of the Caldwell Hornets Friday, March 31, fueled by a total team effort.
The Ducks walked away with a 10-0 victory to increase their win streak to six games as they are just flying past the competition in district play.
The old saying in sports is it is hard to beat a team twice, and after winning the first matchup 2-1, the Ducks knew the Hornets would be itching to get going in round two. The Ducks prepared accordingly for the Hornets’ counter punch, and it resulted in the Ducks dominating their home field.
After Devin Valdez was on the mound for game one, the Ducks looked to junior Chris Perez to be the guy on the bump for game two. Perez showed his talents in game two, only allowing three hits while walking four batters.
Perez would also strike out 13 batters Friday night, allowing for his teammates to take over the game on offense.
The Ducks were held scoreless in the first inning, but after Perez did what he does best in the top of the second inning, the Ducks were back in the batter’s box. Braylan Alderete was walked, which would lead to a single from Nick Treuter.
Treuter’s single sent Alderete all the way to third base giving the Ducks a scoring opportunity. Jake Jansky would then hit a sacrifice fly ball, which allowed Alderete to score. Valdez was then walked before the Hornets secured the second out, but with runners at first and second the Ducks stayed on the attack.
Mario Aguero hit a single to load the bases for the Ducks, which allowed Cohen Tyree to hit another single to bring two runners home. Perez then made a plate appearance and hit another single to bring another run in.
Now sitting with a 4-0 lead, the Ducks’ offense simmered down a little and allowed Perez and the defense to work. The Ducks added a single run in both the third and fourth inning before pouring on another four runs in the sixth inning.
Tyree and Perez shared the best day at the plate for the Ducks, with Tyree hitting on three of his four attempts with one being a triple, and Perez hitting on all three of his attempts. Both players would end the day with two RBIs and a smile on their face after a 10-0 victory.
Looking ahead to their next matchup, the Ducks know La Grange is always a tough district opponent especially with their passionate fanbase Tuesday, April 4.
