Cal wins as a team

Five different players scored runs, every hitter reached base at least once and three pitchers saw action for the California Grizzlies in an 8-4 win over Granada on Wednesday. It is a tried and true blueprint for Cal on its way to a 12-1 start and No. 3 ranking in the NCP Top 20.

The scoring started in the top of the first inning. Walks to JD McDonnell and Nick Allman and AJ Velasquez getting hit by a pitch loaded the bases with one out against Granada starter Roberto Chioino. Following a strikeout by Austin Chauvin, free passes to Matt Haworth and Jake Ackerman made it 2-0 Grizzlies and ended the day for Chioino. Cal tacked on three more runs in the second highlighted by a two run single from Chauvin.

"We had good quality approaches today at the plate. Some guys are seeing the ball well. There is still a lot of kinks to work out," California head coach Chad Ross said. "We are lucky this year. We have the ability to drive the ball and that really helps."

Granada finally got to California starter Sam Cabral in the third inning. Granada star Casey Soltis came up with the bases loaded and no outs. However, Cabral was about to induce a double play ball to allow just one run and limit the damage.

Extra base hits from Allman, Velasquez and Chauvin pushed Cal's lead to 8-2. Chris Moussa added a home run in the fourth for Granada to cut the deficit to 8-4, but the Matadors wouldn't get any closer. They left the bases loaded in the sixth for their final rally.

Cabral picked up the win going four innings and giving up four runs. Freshman Zach Chalmers tossed two scoreless innings before senior Jeff Huettenhain closed it out.

"In this league and all through Northern California, these lineups are so deep. It is really rare to get through seven innings so to be able to have a bunch of guys we can throw out there and we trust is huge," Ross said. "Also, it is bringing our staff together."

Other Highlights

Livermore picked up its first East Bay Athletic League win knocking off No. 11 Foothill-Pleasanton 8-6. Sophomore Dominic Foscalina went 2-for-3 with three RBI in support of starter Thomas Triantos, who went six innings for the win. Max Sanderson, Kyle Franco and Ryan Anderson each had two hits for Foothill. Franco was the losing pitcher. In other EBAL action, Amador Valley defeated Monte Vista (4-2). Austin Curtis went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the win.

Washington bound lefty Channing Nesbitt struck out seven batters in five innings as part of a 5-2 win over Encinal. Nesbitt allowed two hits and a walk along with two unearned runs. Bishop O'Dowd got a double and three RBI from sophomore Cory Barrios to extend its win streak to eight games.