Oldtimers split doubleheader with Watsonville and Vallejo

The Benicia Oldtimers split a doubleheader on May 15 at Fitzgerald Field, losing 10-6 to Watsonville but beating Vallejo later in the day, 8-5.

Watsonville struck for two runs in the top of the first on back-to-back doubles and a RBI single. Benicia scratched a out run in the bottom half of the inning to trail 2-1. Marko Santos led off with a single to center and advanced to third on a Rich Reza single to left. Santos ended up scoring on a two-out single from Brian Rowles.

Watsonville came back with three runs in the third off four hits and added two more runs in the fourth for a 7-1 lead. Benicia plated two in the fifth on hits from Brandon Fade, Mark Mortensen and Cliff Henderson. Watsonville extended its lead to 10-3 in the sixth, scoring three runs on five hits. Benicia added two in the seventh and one in the ninth in the loss.

Ricky Silva went six innings and allowed 10 runs on 14 hits with one strikeout. Wayne Grapes tossed three scoreless innings, giving up three hits with two strikeouts. Santos, Reza, Rowles and Mortensen each had two hits in the game.

Benicia jumped out early against Vallejo, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the first off just three hits. Santos drew a walk to lead off the inning and scored on a Lou Kosta double. After a walk to Reza and a passed ball, Randy Dismuke lined a single to left, scoring two. Rowles drew a walk and Earnest Holquin reached on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Up stepped Mortensen, who belted a no-doubt towering shot to right center for a grand slam and 7-0 Benicia lead.

Vallejo scratched for a run in the second on a double and a Benicia error, then added three in the fourth off three hits. Benicia plated a run in the seventh after Vallejo kicked the ball around, committing three errors in the inning. Vallejo added a run in the eighth on two hits.

Brandon Fade went the distance for Benicia, allowing five runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts. Jessie Segle had two hits in the game.

The Oldtimers (6-5) go on the road to take on Watsonville on this Sunday.