Baseball: Alameda Wins Again

In 14 games this season, 's baseball team has walked off the field winners 13 times.

The team's 13th win Wednesday was one of its most impressive.

In their latest display in a magnificent season, the team breezed past league rival Berkeley 19-5 Wednesday afternoon at San Pablo Park.

While striking, especially given the quality of program Berkeley usually produces, the final result was just one of many blowouts the Hornets have handed opponents.

Led by quality pitching and excellent defense, Alameda High, ranked No. 1 in the East Bay by The Oakland Tribune, has eased past the competition. Alameda is a perfect 6-0 in the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League.

"We came out strong in the first inning and kept it up the whole game," said catcher Ryan Cooper of the victory over Berkeley High.

With the bat, infielder Fred Smith had three hits and four RBI and John Ruck added three hits. On the mound, Trent Yee threw three scoreless innings.

"We've been playing very good baseball," Alameda coach Ken Arnerich said. "Once we got a few runs (against Berkeley), it became contagious. I've been coaching here for 10 years, and we and Berkeley always battle. Always."

So what exactly is making the Alameda so good in 2011?

Pitching. The Hornets have no trouble scoring, with 155 runs this year, but pitchers have recorded an impressive six shutouts. In comparison, the rest of the ACCAL has tallied nine shutouts this season—combined.

Offensively, the Hornets are dangerous from the top to the bottom of the lineup.

And while Alameda still has a long way to ago before the regular season ends (10 games), including a matchup against perennial Alameda power and its star-studded alumni base, the Hornets look on the fast track to a memorable season.

"We try to come out and execute what we can. Bunt when they don't expect, steal bases, all that stuff," Cooper said. "Everyone on the team does that. We are all excited."

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