BASEBALL: Kellis' bats struggle

March 30, 2016 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365


As much as Raymond S. Kellis’ lineup doesn’t want to believe it, Kenny Brawner didn’t showcase his best stuff.

The Moorpark, California pitcher failed to locate his low fastball and walked his first batters of the season. But convincing Raymond S. Kellis that Brawner was off his game wasn’t happening, not after Brawner tossed a complete-game shutout against a lineup that was spraying hits consistently in its first 13 games.

Brawner adjusted and host Raymond S. Kellis’ bats struggled in Moorpark’s 7-0 victory. Raymond S. Kellis and Moorpark are competing in the 113-team Coach Bob Invitational run by Boulder Creek High.  

“Unreal,” said Raymond S. Kellis coach Michael Deardoff about Brawner’s supposed below average performance. “That kid is a super stud.”

Five singles and two walks is all Brawner gave up.

Raymond S. Kellis had trouble with the movement Brawner generates from his three-quarter, left-arm release. Brawner, a University of California San Diego commit, hasn’t allowed an earned run in 26 innings.

Raymond S. Kellis failed to jump on Brawner early, when the senior struggled somewhat and loaded the bases in the second inning. Raymond S. Kellis’ starting pitcher, leadoff hitter Adrian Salazar, flied out to end the second inning threat.

Brawner then went on to retire 11 of 12 batters between the third and sixth innings. Moorpark scored a run in the second, three in the fourth inning, one in the fifth and two in the seventh.

The team’s No. 7 hitter, Dante Sandoval (3 for 4), knocked in three of Moorpark’s runs. Justin Williams, whose brother Tyler plays for Arizona State, went 2 for 3 for Raymond S. Kellis.

Williams’ twin brother, Jordan, Raymond S. Kellis’ cleanup hitter, bats behind Williams. The road doesn’t get any easier for Raymond S. Kellis (10-4) in the Coach Bob Invite.

Up next is a 3:30 p.m. Thursday game against Texas Liberty Christian (25-1-1) at home.   

Moorpark (7-4) takes on Denver Mullen at noon on Thursday at Apollo High.