The El Molino nine are coming off a solid week on the preseason baseball circuit, logging two wins in four outings to push their record to 4-2.
The Lions began the stretch on March 5 with a disappointing 5-1 loss to Fort Bragg, but scored subsequent home wins over Lower Lake (8-1) and Kelseyville (1-0) before suffering a 2-1 setback to Windsor.
At press time, El Mo was preparing to host Middletown on March 13 (weather permitting) before hitting the road for a Thursday, March 15 rematch at Fort Bragg. Other upcoming dates include home against St. Helena (March 20, 4 p.m.) and at Middletown (March 22, 4 p.m.). The Lions will host Elsie Allen in the league opener on March 23 (4 p.m.).
El Molino spotted visiting Lower Lake a 1-0 lead on March 8, rallying for four runs in the third and three more in the fifth en route to an 8-1 victory.
Seeing mound duty for the Lions were Curtis Lewis and Sam Wilson-Mietz. Supplying the offensive firepower were brothers Wesley Hamner (HR) and Jordan Hamner (2 2Bs, 2 RBIs).
The Lions played host to Kelseyville and Windsor in a doubleheader on Saturday, sending pitcher Bradley Swinney to the hill in the morning opener against Kelseyville. The senior hurler delivered a complete-game gem to key a 1-0 victory. The winning run came home when Wyatt Stringfellow led off with an infield hit, moving to third on a single from Shane Spellman. Aaron Daniels followed with an RBI on a fielder’s choice, giving Swinney all he’d need for victory.
El Molino took on Windsor in Saturday’s afternoon tilt, squandering a strong effort from pitcher Jack Belli (7 IP, 6 hits, 6 Ks) in a 2-1 loss. Top hitters were Wilson-Mietz (2 for 3, 2B) and Wes Hamner (2 for 3, 2B, run).
