It wasn’t a game-winner or even necessary for Santa Fe’s 10-6 victory over Whittier today, but Francisco Fuentes’ 21-pitch at bat might be evidence of the manner in which the Chiefs have approached the last half of the season.
After struggling early, they’ve regrouped and with a never-say-die attitude, have put themsevles in the thick of the hunt for a postseason playoff spot.
Fuentes’ at bat against the Cardinals’ Daniel Gomez came in the bottom of the six inning with the Chniefs leading, 8-6. It lasted 10 and a half minutes and ended when he hit a two-run home run to dead center field.
“He was down in the count early,” coach Craig Campbell said. “Then he fouled off a couple of pitches, took a ball, fouled off a couple more pitches, took a ball. He finally reached a 3-2 count, and then hit the home run on the 21st pitch.
“It was a great battle on both ends, Gomez and Fuentes doing a great job.”