Charbonneau drives in five runs while pitching a shutout
Aldine – Before the game started, both MacArthur and Nimitz had more than a simple reason for winning. A win for the Generals would solidify its second straight district title. As for the Cougars, a combination of a victory or an Aldine loss would nail down fourth place, assuring the final playoff spot in district 18-5A.
On an excellent Friday night for baseball, the MacArthur Generals took control of its own destiny with help from pitcher Charbonneau who drove in five RBIs and struck out eight batters in run ruling Nimitz 12-0 in its final regular season game of year at Lansford Field.
With gusty winds blowing northwest at 75 degrees, the night was perfect for the Generals.
Senior pitcher Darius Charbonneau, a four year starter, gave MacArthur (24-5, 11-1) an early lead it never relinquished, when he crushed a first pitch inside fast ball deep over the left field fence; a two run shot, before short stop Alex Valdez walked to first base.
“The home run pitch was an inside fast ball,” Charbonneau said. I just sat back and mashed it. I knew it was gone with the wind blowing out to left.”
Nimitz (10-12, 5-7) suffered three infield errors and two wild pitches which resulted in two MacArthur runs.
“We put the ball in play but we made mistakes,” Nimitz right fielder Cole Aguon said, who struck out to end the game. We couldn’t hit the ball today. All we can do is keep practicing, forget about this one and move on.”
Alan Cossio took the loss, going four and half innings with four strike outs, three walks, surrendered 12 hits and six earned runs.
Cossio also received a scare in the bottom half of the fourth inning when second baseman Edgar Briseno lined a shot to Cossio, where it ricocheted off his chest, flooring him. Moments later the pitcher was back to his feet after some medical attention, as he warmed up and finished out the game.
Most of damage were deposited after a six-run second inning which put the Cougars in a deep hole and watched eight MacArthur batters come to the plate, building an 8-0 lead.
“You have to give the benefit to the pitching staff, the kids and Darius Charbonneau,” added MacArthur’s coach Earnest Gonzales. He’s been our leader all year and he’s carried us. I knew they were going to pitch Darius hard. They had been walking him intentionally. He got 12 walks in district. So we put the pressure on the other guys to get on base.”
In five innings of work, Charbonneau struck out eight batters, walked three and surrendered two hits.
“My fast ball was getting by them quick. I was trying to hit the outside corners and my spots, so that I could get ground balls”, Charbonneau said. I was trying to mix it up a little to get some curve balls.”
The Cougars could be headed for a one game playoff against Aldine if the Mustangs are victorious against Eisenhower. The game would be played at 2:00 pm at the newest Aldine high school, Davis which is in its first year of school with no varsity competition.
