Palo Alto gets its confidence back

West Fargo, N.D.'s Tanner Dahl is caught in a pickle as Palo Alto, Calif., shortsop Drake Swezey closes in. Gary Higgins photo/The Patriot Ledger

By GUS SHLIMBAUM
The Patriot Ledger

QUINCY – It is unfathomable to think a 14-year-old could hit the ball out of the park at Adams Field, as it is bigger than many big league ballparks.

But that’s exactly what Palo Alto, Calif., center fielder B.J. Boyd did, crushing the first pitch of the game well over the scoreboard in right-center field as his team went on to beat West Fargo, N.D., 14-3, Monday afternoon. It was a blast most Major Leaguers would have been jealous of.

“It was just first-pitch fastball,” Boyd said, “I just wanted to lead the team and get the team going.”

Boyd said he is not a home run hitter. Well, he probably fooled most of the spectators who witnessed the shot that measured at least 390 feet.

The victory brought confidence back to the Pacific Southwest Regional champions that lost 17-4 to Tallahassee, Fla., on Sunday afternoon.

“I think (the win) definitely gets them back to where we were during the regional tournament,” Palo Alto manager Mathew Atwater said. “It’s nice for the kids to be able to bounce back. There were a little bit of pre-game jitters during that first game.”

Following the leadoff home run, Palo Alto (1-1) got four more runs in the top of the first inning. Tucker Jorgensen hit a run-scoring single and Drake Swezey ripped a two-run double over the left fielder’s head.

West Fargo (1-2) also got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning, tallying two runs. Tanner Dahl hit a run-scoring single, and Chance Bitzer scored from third base, while Dahl was caught in a rundown after being caught stealing.

Palo Alto put the game out of reach in the third inning, scoring seven runs. The big hits were provided by Travis McHugh, who hit a three-run triple and Sam Falkenhagen, who hit a two-run single.

The California bunch also got solid pitching from starter Jake Batchelder, who picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing three runs and striking out eight West Fargo batters.

Palo Alto’s next games will be against Syracuse, N.Y. at 5:30 p.m. today, and Quincy at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Atwater thinks his team has a good chance to advance to the single-elimination rounds at the tournament now that they have their swagger back.

“In the next two games, we have to keep the bats alive and play solid defense” he said. “A couple more of those home runs will set us up pretty good too.”

Gus Shlimbaum may be reached at gshlimbaum@ledger.com.

West Fargo, N.D.'s Andy Young scores past Palo Alto, Calif., catcher Jordan Piha on Monday. Gary Higgins photo/The Patriot Ledger