SAN JOSE — All of the momentum from the late-season hot streak that propelled Wilcox to the Central Coast Section playoffs came to a full stop Saturday against Hollister in the Division II championship game.
Hollister’s Trent Roche, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander committed to Cal, threw a two-hit shutout as the Haybalers walked off with the CCS title, 3-0, at Excite Ballpark.
Wilcox (21-9) went into Saturday’s game having won 16 of its last 17. But Roche set the side down in order in six of the seven innings. He walked one and struck out seven.
“We haven’t seen a lot of velo this year,” Wilcox coach Matthew Huth said. “We tried to prepare for it as much as possible. (The home plate umpire) was calling the high strike and you can’t defend against the high strike against a guy throwing 90.”
Roche was perfect through the first three innings, setting down nine in a row and striking out six.
Wilcox starter RJ Argel held the Haybalers scoreless the first two innings before they broke through in the third, scoring three runs on four hits and a walk. Cleanup batter Jake Esparza got the big knock with a two-run double.
Then Wilcox was presented with what turned out to be its one offensive opportunity in the top of the fourth. Jake Prettol and Diego Prado singled and Mateo Escobedo walked to load the bases with two out. Jetson Preston then smoked a line drive, but it went right at Hollister left fielder Daniel Martinez for the third out
Roche proceeded to retire the side in order the final three innings, setting off the Hollister celebration.
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Wilcox players were disappointed in the outcome, but cognizant of what the team accomplished by advancing to the CCS final.
“We put Wilcox on the map again,” said Argel who at 5-6, 130, certainly provided a contrast to Roche, but nevertheless went the distance for the Chargers. “We’re all family, we’re all brothers. Our motto this year was toughness over talent. I think this team was really tough, and it showed on the field.”