[StLee]

Freeside Looks Strong, Kings Take Series Lead

Freeside's Paul Strong has not done much in the Mojave Baseball League since his pro debut on May 1 of this season. However, the former Tops first-round pick became a sensation in Game Three of the playoffs when his three-run blast in the seventh inning boosted the Kings to a 5-2 victory over Goodsprings.

With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Jerry Corbett doubled off the Lucky 38s' Jim Jones. Chris Bitter was then intentionally walked, followed by a ground out by Jose De La Torre. With two outs and a full count, Strong took a hooking curve over the right field fence at Old Mormon Fort Field for the three-run lead and the final runs in the game.

Jones suffered the loss for Goodsprings, allowing five earned runs on six hits with a walk and nine strikeouts in seven innings. All five runs given up were via home run.

Jorge Alonzo, who pitched only the seventh inning and gave up the tying run, earned the victory for the Kings. Ellis Wood, the starting pitcher, allowed one earned run on 10 hits with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings in the no decision. Doug King earned his second save of the series.

The Kings struck first in the game. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Jim Seaman took a Jones pitch over the center field wall.

Goodsprings got on the board in the third. Jones led off with a single. With two outs and Stu Vanstone on after reaching on a fielder's choice, Jimmy LaRue singled to advance Vanstone to third base. Jesus Martinez then hit an RBI single to knot up the game, 1-1.

However, Freeside immediately answered to take back the lead. De La Torre took the third pitch he saw over the right center field fence for a 2-1 Kings' advantage.

The Lucky 38s again tied the game in the seventh, though they could play the what-if game for that inning. Mike Duncan led off with a single to chase starer Wood. With one out, Duncan attempted a steal from second to third but was nailed pretty easily. LaRue then singled for what would have been the tying RBI. After LaRue stole second, Martinez hit his second RBI single to make the game 2-2.

Despite outhitting Freeside 12-6, Goodsprings could not manufacture runs. The Kings, however, blasted their way to the victory, something they did not do much of in the regular season.