There was a time when Jake Bailey had solidified his spot in the Charter Oak High School baseball team’s starting line-up do his ability behind the plate.
But Wednesday the senior catcher showed he can be quite effective either behind the dish, or beside it.
Bailey hit two home runs and went 3 for 3 with five RBIs and the Chargers took over first place in the Miramonte League with a 6-3 victory over visiting Bonita in a battle of two of the top teams in the area.
Charter Oak, also getting a complete game from freshman Travis Santiago, improved to 14-6 overall and 6-2 in league play. Bonita, which will get a second, and final shot at the Chargers on Friday, slipped to 14-5 and 6-3.

Charter Oak catcher Jake Bailey: “I just had a lucky day. We had a freshman pitcher going today and I was just trying to give him some support. I wouldn’t say they were (mistake pitches). They were pretty good pitches. I got some good swings on them. (Bonita’s Jason Plowman) is one of their aces, so I wouldn’t say they were mistakes. They were pretty good pitches. I just got lucky.”
Charter Oak coach Tom Quinley: “We’ve put (freshman pitcher Travis Santiago) in some tough situations this year. I said (earlier) that he grew up. Well, today, he really grew up. He threw one heckuva game today.
Bonita coach John Knott: “You have to give (Bailey) all the credit. He had two quality at-bats when they needed them. Their entire line-up hit the ball off Plowman really well, and obviously Bailey had two big hits.
“Friday’s going to determine our fate, our involvment in this league here. We’re just going to have to hit the ball better and ultimately play a better game, and come out with a little better energy and fire.”