Knapp’s big day helps Vista del Lago baseball team upset No. 5 Laguna Creek

Vista del Lago High School junior Kaden Knapp stepped to the plate in the fourth inning of a scoreless game Monday. With Jacob Cullen on first base after being hit by a pitch, Knapp fouled off the first pitch, then blasted a home run to left field.

Knapp jumpstarted the Vista offense in a 6-0 victory over No. 5 Laguna Creek. It was the Cardinals’ first loss after an 8-0 start. Richie Gregory had two RBIs and Sam Anderson and Justin Lafortune both drove in a run. Drew Anderson was 2-for-2 and drew a walk.

Sparked by Knapp, the Eagles scored four runs in the fourth inning and added two insurance runs in the sixth. Knapp went the distance on the bump and struck out seven.

“That home run got us going,” Vista del Lago coach Sal Rivera said. “We were putting a lot of balls in play. A lot of hard ground ball outs, which we preach. After seeing that ball go over the fence and having a two run lead, it took a little bit of weight off our shoulders. We started to see the ball fly around the park a little bit (after that.)”

He added, “Kaden has been one of our solid guys this year offensively. He’s our guy on the mound. He was not feeling the best today and he was uncertain to start today. He went about 85-90% fastballs. He executed and managed the game with fastballs, which tells you how good he is.”

Rivera is in his second season with Vista after a previous stint at El Camino. He’s happy his players get to experience a full season after last year’s was canceled due to COVID-19.

“Not having to be at home on Zoom anymore and being able to do stuff they love (is why they’re so fired up to be here)” he said. “They’re an excited bunch. When something happens it tends to roll over and we tend to go. For example, that home run by Kaden. After that, that kind of jumpstarted everything.”

The Vista del Lago players planned a trip to a local bowling alley, a common move after games. It helps create a team bond.

“We always go bowling,” Knapp said. “We go to Folsom Lake Bowl or Strikes in Rocklin. Doesn’t matter (where), we just like bowling. We’re going tonight.”

Knapp is one of a handful of area players committed to play baseball at Sacramento State. Noah Lucchesi and Tejean Smith from Laguna Creek are seniors that have also signed with the Hornets.

“Their program and coaching staff and the school (is what stands out),” Knapp said. “Both of my parents went there. Love the school and the program. I already know most of the guys there. It’s going to be a blast.”

Vista del Lago (6-3-1) has outscored opponents this season 90-35. The Eagles face Placer at James Field in Auburn on Saturday night. Laguna Creek (8-1) will host 7-0 River City on Wednesday.