Big catch saves the day for second-ranked Rocklin baseball team in Woodcreek thriller
In the bottom of the sixth inning of Wednesday’s game between Rocklin High School and Woodcreek in Roseville, Thunder centerfielder Payton Brennan used every inch of his 6-foot-1 frame to make a diving catch to end the inning.
Woodcreek was threatening with two runners on, down five runs. Brennan’s teammates and coaches were fired up watching from the dugout. Back-to-back strikeouts by Rocklin senior Taylor Wake in the final inning gave The Bee’s second-ranked team a 9-4 victory over its Placer County rival.
“It was a tight ballgame,” Brennan said. “I wanted to get my teammates back, and that (catch) was the best way to do it. I haven’t gotten to play team baseball in a while, so we just get to be a family again and have fun.”
Rocklin’s coach Steven Moller was ecstatic with the finish. He wasn’t surprised his UCLA-bound outfielder made a big play.
“We were fired up, but it’s not a surprise,” Moller said. “He’s that kind of guy that can fly around. He doesn’t even look like he’s running hard out there but he’s flying. It’s like a gazelle flying across there and diving. He fires the team up because he plays hard.”
Moller also said, “It’s the best feeling for the kids (to be back out here). It’s been tough (on us coaches) but these kids have been through so much. I am so happy they can come out here and participate with their friends.”
A good part of the roster started playing together when they were 8 years old in Rocklin Little League. It’s a special group that wants to compete for a Sierra Foothill League title, even though there will not be a Sac-Joaquin Section playoff tournament.
“We are playing for a league championship,” Moller said. “In our minds, that’s what we are playing for. Everyone is fighting to win the league. The CIF might not recognize it, but we recognize it. Our league is planning on recognizing it.”
Rocklin led 3-0 after the first inning on an RBI triple by Chase Meggers. He had three hits and four RBIs. Tucker Almon and Jack Peterson also added hits in that inning to drive in a run.
No. 10 Woodcreek tied the game at three in the third inning off an Anthony Martinez ground out. The Timberwolves finished with nine hits, led by two each from Jake Harvey and Caden Thompson.
Harvey got the start for Woodcreek and lasted 3⅔ innings, striking out four. Rocklin started Stanford-bound ace Toran O’Harran, who struck out two in two innings. Taylor Wake and Westley Baird both pitched in relief and allowed four hits in five innings.
Rocklin scored three runs in the sixth with two bases-loaded walks and an error on an infield pop fly to put the game out of reach. Rocklin will host No. 19 Oakmont on Thursday. Woodcreek will also play Oakmont on Friday.