The Signal : Monday, July 30, 2001 : Ryan Lambert, Signal Staff Writer

Cowboys Cruise to VIB Championship

The Cowboys saved their best for last.

Canyon paraded 13 batters to the plate during a nine-run sixth inning to solidify a 15-5 win against Calabasas and bring a merciful end to the Valley Invitational Baseball League’s championship game Sunday night.

The 10-run win concluded Canyon’s dominating streak of undefeated play in the VIB playoffs.

The Cowboys 15th run came as Ryan Burke punched a single into right field to score Josh Schreck, who also scored the Cowboys first run of the inning. Burke went 1-for-1 with an RBI and two runs scored on the night.

Right fielder Sergio Almanzar began the inning with a single to left, but he was picked off of first trying to steal as Schreck stood at the plate.

Schreck struck out on a pitch in the dirt, but Calabasas catcher Aaron Lowenstein made an errant throw to record the out at first giving Canyon a runner on base.

Eric Ashbrook promptly followed with a line drive that one-hopped into the center field wall. Ashbrook finished the game 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

With runners on second and third Burke was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Canyon catcher Justin Schwartz hit what seemed to be a double-play grounder, but Burke slid hard into second base to take out Calabasas shortstop Justin Segal allowing both Schreck and Ashbrook to score. Adding insult to injury, Burke was ruled safe at second.

After Cowboy Dan Hagman walked, Joe Gault grounded into a fielder’s choice which scored Burke. The next hitter, Kyle Zeiler, was awarded first when the home plate umpire ruled catcher’s interference on a foul ball, which was briefly protested.

The Cowboys leadoff hitter Ryan Pipho followed with a two-run single to put Canyon ahead 11-5 with two outs.

Almanzar picked up his second single of the inning which was good for two more Cowboy runs and a 13-5 lead. Almanzar went 3-for-4 with three RBI’s and two runs scored for the game.

Schreck followed with a double to score Almanzar and Canyon’s eighth run of the inning before Burke’s final blow.

Steve Cash picked up the win for the Cowboys in relief with 1 2-3 innings pitched in which he allow three earned runs. Jake Coash started the game for the Cowboys and pitched 3 1-3 innings while allowing one run.

Calabasas reliever Drew Saberhagen took the loss in two innings of work as he allowed 11 Canyon runs, only eight of which were earned.

Prior to the sixth-inning hitting exhibition, Canyon’s best offensive output came in the first inning when they took a 3-0 lead off Calabasas starter Brad Schultz.

Back-to-back singles by Pipho and Almanzar followed by a walk to Schreck loaded the bases for Canyon in the first frame.

A single by Ashbrook scored Pipho and two sacrifice flies by Burke and Schwartz scored Almanzar and Schreck, respectively.