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The 13th-seeded Wolves (14-12), who upset third-seeded ACCAL champion Pinole Valley in the first round of playoffs, ended its post-season run in the North Coast Section 3-A baseball quarterfinals Saturday at Lincoln Park. San Ramon Valley lost to defending champion fourth-seeded Alameda High (22-4), 2-1.
The Wolves, who started off strong, had the 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth when Ryan Lucas doubled and Jake Whitney singled him home. With sophomore pitcher Scott Griggs throwing a one-hit shutout through five innings, the Wolves looked like they could secure the win. But Alameda staged a patient, steady comeback and pulled where the Wolves began to fray.
With two out in the bottom of the sixth, Alameda’s Jeff Perri got an infield hit, and Griggs issued consecutive walks to Kenny Arnerich, Jordan Pries and Casey O’Reilly.
The walk to O’Reilly scored Perri to tie the game at 1-1.
Mike Gibbons relieved Griggs and walked Paul Wada to force in Arnerich with the winning run.
Alameda pitcher Kenny Arnerich gave up four hits and struck out four, including two in the top of the seventh to seal the victory.
The Wolves’ loss marks the end of a 32-year career for San Ramon Valley coach Rick Steen, who was honored by coaches, players and supporters at the start of Saturday’s game.
Steen, whose name has become synonymous with SRV baseball, finished his career at San Ramon Valley with 491 victories and three NCS championships. He plans to teach in an international baseball program in Belgium and travel with his wife to Italy.
Editor@DanvilleWeekly.com.
