Encinal Varsity Baseball won the West Alameda County Conference (WACC) championship game on May 12, defeating San Leandro 4-1 at the College of Alameda. It was their first league championship since 2018.
In the second inning, Senior Shaan Castro, the Jets starting pitcher, escaped a bases loaded situation with clutch pitching that stopped the Pirates momentum. Although Castro loaded the bases by walking two and hitting a batter, his poise help hold a 2-0 lead for Encinal.
“[That out] allowed me to rely on my slider more so I knew I could keep throwing it,” said Castro.
Castro grinded through five innings of no-hit ball until he was removed due to reaching his pitch limit of 95. He struck out four and walked four.
“Feels great to bring a banner back to the Nailhouse,” said Castro. “Jobs not done though, got lots to finish.”
Encinal’s offense came out with a bang, scoring two runs in the first inning. Two walks, a single by Leo Paredes, and two passed balls gave the Jets a 2-0 lead.
The Jets held their lead with great pitching versus the Pirates. Freshman Kyle Cooke came in as the relief pitcher in the 6th inning, securing the win for the Jets. Cooke allowed only one run and one hit in two innings.
“I wanted to get outs anyway we could and limit their opportunities to get back into the game,” said Cooke.
The win helped #11 Encinal (14-11) qualify for the NCS playoffs. The Jets face #6 Novato (16-8) on May 16.
“Feels great. We worked hard all year to get to this moment,” said junior Angus Olaes. “Especially after the ending we had last year this almost feels like revenge. I’m super excited to battle it out in NCS.”
Encinal lost the 2022 WACC Championship to Piedmont 6-5 on a walk off.
