The Tracy High School varsity baseball team earned its first win of their season with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Bear Creek on Thurs. Feb. 20.
The Bulldogs had a five-run lead through strong pitching and timely hitting, but Bear Creek roared back later in the game. Despite the pressure, Tracy High locked in defensively to claim the win.
The Bulldogs claimed a five-run lead through strong pitching and timely hitting before Bear Creek came back late in the game to pose a real threat in a hard fought seventh inning. Despite the pressure, Tracy locked in defensively to close out the game.
Bulldogs Open Strong
The Bulldogs set the pace early with solid pitching from Dylan Giannini, who threw three scoreless innings, striking out three and allowing only two hits. His control on the mound gave Tracy the momentum they needed.
“It felt great to get out there and set the tone early,” Giannini said. “I knew coming in that getting ahead in the count and attacking the strike zone would be key… my defense made some big plays behind me, which helped keep the momentum on our side.”
Tracy’s offense hunkered down in the second inning when Jace Johnson doubled to bring in Malakai Jacobo, giving the Bulldogs their first run. The bats stayed hot in the fourth inning as Jacoby Freitas crushed a triple to right field, scoring Brady Brown.
“It was honestly one of the best feelings in the world, in such a tight game being able to help push my team over the hump and get our first win, while also getting my first extra base hit on varsity,” Freitas said.
Shortly after, Jacobo followed with a double, bringing Brown in again, and Johnson ended the inning with a sacrifice fly, stretching the Bulldog lead to 4-0.
In the sixth inning, Colby Dorn added to the Bulldogs’ growing lead, hitting an RBI single to score Freitas and push the lead to 5-0.
“Getting this first win was huge for us,” Giannini said. “This win set the tone for the rest of the season because it showed that we can compete and that we need to keep playing with energy and executing the way we did.”
Two-Way Player Impact
Brady Brown was a key contributor on both offense and defense. Brown was dominant in the two innings he pitched. He stole two bases, scored twice and walked twice. His ability to stay aggressive on the bases while keeping calm on the mound was crucial.
Bear Creek’s Late Push and Tracy’s Response
Despite leading 5-0 heading into the seventh inning, Bear Creek wouldn’t give up.
A combination of singles, hit-by-pitches, and wild pitches allowed Bear Creek to score four runs in the last inning, putting the Bulldogs up by only one. The pressure mounted.
Elijah Gutierrez, who came in as the closer, faced intense heat but managed to record the final out with a strikeout, locking in the Bulldogs’ first victory.
“With them coming back late in the game like that, it was important for our confidence and mindset not to change from when we were up 5-0 and I think Elijah did a great job of that while he was pitching,” Freitas said.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs now look forward to their next game against Patterson on Monday, bringing the confidence gained from surviving Bear Creek’s comeback attempt.
This first win wasn’t only a moment of celebration, but also highlighted Tracy High’s ability to perform under pressure, something that will be crucial throughout the season.
