Story & photos by Jennifer Corriea
ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – With a roster that features 13 underclassmen, the Bears experienced some growing pains last week as they lost a close one to Anderson at home before dropping two of their three games at the Maxwell Tournament.
Against the visiting Cubs last Tuesday, Pierce pulled within one after rallying for three runs in the sixth, but Anderson responded with an insurance run in the top of the seventh to which the Bears could not respond and as a result fell 4-6.
Tony Maldonado had a big game at the plate going 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI, while Easton Richins delivered an RBI single.
In Maxwell, Pierce had no problems in their opening game with Esparto led by Colin Harris who finished 3 for 3 and Colton Vanlaningham who was 2 for 3 with three RBI.
Maldonado, Richins and Rodney Hofhenke each took a turn on the mound and combined for the win.
No information from the Bears’ loss to Chester in their second game of the day was made available.
Battling the hometown Panthers for third place in the tournament last Saturday, Pierce held a 5-0 advantage going into the bottom of the third, but Maxwell erupted for six runs in the frame and went on to win 8-5.
One bright spot in the game was a home run by Maldonado, the first of his career, but unfortunately for the Bears only three others including Harris, Roberto Ramirez and Nathan Gomez reached base via a hit.
The week Pierce (2-3) looked to get back on track with a home game against Princeton on Monday and another on the road in Williams on Tuesday.