The Prune Packers continued to steamroll opponents on the California Collegiate League baseball circuit, claiming five wins in their last six games to push their summer record to 19-3.
At press time Healdsburg had a commanding, six-game lead over the second place Solano Mudcats in the CCL North Division.
Veteran manager/GM Joey Gomes, who’s nearly seen and done it all as a player and coach over the past two decades, has been impressed by what he’s seen so far.
“This is a special group of high character, talented players,” Gomes said. “Yesterday (July 4) was one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen at Recreation Park. The team had a good June and I’m asking that we turn it up a notch in July.”
Scheduling notes
Healdsburg resumes its summer schedule in the friendly confines on July 6-7 with a two-game set against the Fresno A’s (6 p.m. start). The Packers will play a road and home series with the Walnut Creek Crawdads, starting on July 8 at St. Mary’s College (4 p.m.) and July 9 at Rec. Park (6 p.m. Healdsburg finishes the stretch with a three-game series with the Solano Mudcats, beginning at home on Saturday, July 10 (6 p.m.) and concluding with a double-header at Vanden High School in Fairfield on Sunday, July 11 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
Statistical leaders
Batting leaders (minimum 30 at bats) for the Prune Packers are: Jesse Lopez (.487 BA, 19 hits, 12 runs, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs), Blake Burke (.355, 11 hits, 10 runs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs), Cole Elvis (.344, 11 hits, 9 runs, 2 HRs, 11 RBIs), Ryan Targac (.341, 15 hits, 15 runs, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs) and Kimble Schuessler (.293, 12 hits, 4 runs, 1 HR, 5 RBIs).
Leading pitchers are: Marcus Guarin (2-0, 5.1 IP, 9 Ks), Josh White (2-0, 5.2 IP, 10 Ks), Joe Ammirato (1-0,11.1 IP, 16 Ks), Francis McDonough (1-0, 8.1 IP, 14 Ks, 1 save), Shane O’Malley (2-1,11 IP, 12 Ks), Ed Sarti (2-0, 5.2 IP, 4 Ks, 1 save), Charlie Hurley (1-0, 9 IP, 10 Ks) and Uday Norratam (1-0, 5.1 IP, 1 K).
California Collegiate League North standings (as of July 5)
Prune Packers 12-2
Solano Mudcats 5-7
Lincoln Potters 6-9
Walnut Creek Crawdads 4-9
