Don Lugo received a strong outing on the mound from David Rivera, but a late surge by Chino proved to be the difference in a 7-2 loss on Saturday.

Rivera kept Don Lugo in control early, striking out 10 batters over five innings while allowing just four hits and two runs. Despite issuing five walks, he limited damage and kept the game within reach.

Don Lugo took advantage of early opportunities in the top of the first inning, scoring both of its runs on Chino errors. The lead didn’t last long, as Chino answered in the bottom half of the inning. A single by Giovanni Tazza followed by a double from Grant Vasquez evened the score at 2-2.

The game stayed tight through the middle innings, with both teams settling in defensively. Vasquez rebounded after the first inning and worked into the seventh, allowing two unearned runs on six hits while striking out three to earn the win.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the sixth, when Chino broke through with five runs on three hits. Caleb Carrillo delivered the key hit with a two-run triple to spark the inning. Carrillo reached base four times and drew three walks, helping lead a disciplined Chino lineup that finished with 10 walks on the day. Carrillo and Peter Padilla each drove in two runs, while Vasquez also contributed two hits.

Carlos Nunez led Don Lugo offensively, going 2-for-3. Jacob Randal, Seth Johnson, Ishmael Fox, and Sergio Gonzalez each added a hit in the effort.

With the win, Chino improves to 15-2 overall and remains unbeaten in Mount Baldy League play at 12-0, holding firm in first place. Don Lugo falls to 7-12-2 overall and moves to 6-6 in league play.

Tuesday’s matchup will mark the third and final game of the series. Chino currently leads the series two games to none and will look to complete the sweep, while Don Lugo aims to salvage the finale on its home field.

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Photos taken by Anthony Sarinana