No. 3 Trinity Classical Academy defeated Valley Christian Academy 6-5 in an exciting CIF Southern Section Division 7 playoff game Friday afternoon at The Master’s University. The Knights came into the game on a 10-game winning streak, however Valley Christian was unfazed by Trinity’s recent dominance, and got on the board early with a run in the top of the first batted in by Jarrett Smith.
After a few more innings of the Lions leading 1-0, the bottom of the fourth arrived bringing with it all the excitement of an intense playoff baseball game. The Knights evened the score at 1-1 thanks to Carson Campuzano who hit a double to score Luke Pfeiffer before the Lions closed out the fourth inning. The tie didn’t last long as three more runs were scored in the top of the fifth inning, due in part to another big hit from Jarrett Smith (earning his second and third RBI of the day) to take Valley Christian’s lead to 4-1.
The Knights were facing true adversity for the first time in ten games, but responded well as they continued to play hard, narrowing their deficit to two runs (4-2) at the end of five innings. Trinity stayed focused, playing great defense in the top of the sixth inning to get three quick, much
-needed outs. However, the pressure was on as the Knights still trailed by two runs going in to the bottom of the sixth. Finally, the dam broke for Trinity as the Knights scored three runs, and took their first lead of the game after taking advantage of Valley Christian’s Andrew Sparlin walking back to back batters to load the bases with no outs. There was no time for solace for the Knights because the Lions responded with a run in the top of the seventh to tie the game again and keep themselves alive.
Extra innings began and both sides could feel the pressure of the playoffs pounding in their chests, but it only took one more inning to decide the game. Trinity proved they were the superior team by holding off a fierce push by the Lions in the top of the eighth, and earning the game-winning run in the bottom of the inning. Trinity’s Jake Backes got the walk-off hit with two outs to score Tristen Rodriguez who was driven in from second base.
“We live for a moment like this,” said head coach Mike Franchimone after the game. The Knights will play Bloomington Christian Tuesday, May 22 at 3:15pm in the Division 7 second round.
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Awesome coverage of the game! Way to go, Trinity.