With one out away to clinch a win on the road against the Eastwood Troopers, junior Ryan Sandoval gave up two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Spartans lose, 15-14.

Playing with a 1-run lead heading into the top of the seventh inning, senior Daniel Cervantes scored a run; giving the Spartans a 14-12 lead.

Beginning the bottom of the seventh inning, pitching coach Nicholas Alvarez substituted Sandoval for junior Saul Suarez.

With the bases loaded and a full count, Sandoval was a pitch away from earning a save and helping his team get their first district win of the season. However, the Troopers managed to score a run from a walk, making the score 14-13.

“The game changed when we had walked that batter,” junior Jasper Sanchez said. According to Sanchez, they were one ground ball away from winning the game.

The damage would continue as a Trooper hit a ground ball to left field as two runs would score and end the game in heartbreaking fashion.

Sandoval, who had always been used to start the game, ending up closing last night’s district game. Sandoval admitted to teammates that he was unfamiliar with the closing pitcher’s role.

The Spartans remain winless in district play and will have shot at redemption when they welcome the visiting Troopers Saturday morning, April 14 at Pebble Hills.

All Photos by: Cheryl Marina Gutierrez