Leghorns hit their way into finals of Chico Tournament

June 28, 2006

The Petaluma Leghorn Senior American Legion baseball team continued to hit the ball, but came up a game short, finishing second in the Chico Tournament played at Butte College.

After winning its first four games in the tournament, Petaluma lost its final two games, 5-3, to Yolo Post 77, and 8-5 in the championship game against Napa.

Chadd Krist clubbed two home runs in Petaluma's first-game 11-2 victory over Bear Valley. Krist had three hits in the game and drove in three runs. Josh Krist clubbed a double and a triple and drove home a run and Chris Jensen tripled, singled, and drove in two runs.

Eric LeBaron took advantage of the offensive assault to earn the pitching win, allowing just one earned run over five innings.

Jensen was even better on the mound in the second game, throwing a no-hitter at Danville in a 10-0 Leghorn victory. Jensen had just one strikeout, as the Leghorns played excellent defense in support of their pitcher.

D.J. Gentile slugged a home run to lead the Petaluma batting attack. Brandon Delon tripled and drove home two runs. Trevor Mollison and M.J. Enochs both doubled.

Dan Thompson gave the Leghorns another outstanding pitching effort in an 8-2 win over Fairfield. Thompson pitched seven innings, allowing just two earned runs and five hits while striking out four. Gentile slugged three hits and Chadd Krist, Josh Krist and Delon each had two hits, with Delon slamming a home run.

Chadd Krist and P.J. Sequeira each belted home runs in a 7-4 win over Red Bluff. Gentile and Josh Krist each had three hits. Kevin Markovich had two hits.

Nick Frazer earned the pitching win, allowing two hits and two runs over three innings. John Cilley allowed two runs and two hits in three innings. Josh Krist earned the save with a scoreless relief inning, striking out two.

Petaluma lost its fifth game to Yolo Post 77, 5-3. Gentile, Sequeira, Delon and Jensen each had two hits in the game.

In the championship game, the Leghorns were beaten by Napa, 8-5. Josh Krist homered in the championship game. Gentile had three hits, including a pair of doubles. Chadd Krist, Mollison and Sequeira each doubled.

The Leghorns will spend the Fourth of July holiday in Nevada, participating in the Reno Tournament July 1-4.