Former San Rafael Pacifics pitcher Dakota Freese struck out nine to lead the Pittsburg Diamonds to a 3-2 victory against his old club on Wednesday night at Albert Park.
The hard-throwing right-hander tossed 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with one walk. DonAndre Clark recorded two hits for the Pacifics, who remain tied for first place in the Pacific Association. Jake Taylor and Aaron Brill drove in runs for San Rafael, and Clark and Michael Staudinger each scored.
Little League
The Novato North Red Sox won the District 3 Tournament of Champions for the Majors division, besting the Novato South Giants 5-0 in the championship game on Wednesday night. The Red Sox, winners of the Novato North regular-season and playoff titles and the Novato city championship, previously beat the San Francisco American Rangers and Dixie Terra Linda Rays in their run through the tournament.
Conor Croteau was dominant on the mound in the championship game, allowing one hit and striking out 12 before reaching the pitch-count limit with two outs in the fifth inning. Croteau did not allow a hit until the fifth, and Novato South wasn’t able to advance beyond second base. Vinny Ciolino came on in relief and recorded the final four outs to preserve the shutout. Bennett Hadd settled down and pitched well after the Red Sox scored three and left the bases loaded in the bottom of the first inning. He gave up 10 hits, struck out eight and walked one before reaching the pitch-count limit in the fifth.
The offense for Novato North was led by Ethan Wood (three hits), Hugh Brady (three hits) and Vinny Ciolino (two hits, home run). Croteau and JD Rhodes also contributed with key hits. Novato North was solid in the field all night, including spectacular plays by Zack Farbstein — diving catch in center field — and Croteau — showing off his range at shortstop.
