Walnut Creek tie strikeout record in pitching bonanza

Walnut Creek sophomore right-hander Carlos Hernandez emerged from the bullpen tucked neatly down the third base line to pitch the ninth inning. For some, in the midst of a two-run game, it would be a routine save opportunity.

What Hernandez didn't know: history was on the horizon. The Crawdads needed two strikeouts to tie their franchise record for a game. Hernandez sent a Legend down quickly. Two more possible outs and two strikeouts needed. 

Hernandez dealt from 2-2 and 3-2 counts to punch out the final two. Walnut Creek's bench immediately stood up, applauded the performance put on by its pitcher, and completed its high-five line. 

Walnut Creek (6-4, CCL) relied on its pitching in back-to-back games, helping break a three-game losing streak on Tuesday before securing its first road win, 3-1, against Menlo Park (2-8) on Wednesday. 

"Hanging out with each other," sophomore right-handed pitcher Myles Brand said about what's been going right for the staff. "Team chemistry is going well. I can trust my catcher. We can trust our guys. Trust helps everything."

The Crawdads allowed just one run in their last two games. That's a much better recipe for success than the seven runs they averaged during the three-game losing skid. 

Walnut Creek's ability to limit walks has greatly benefited the staff in the prior two games. On Tuesday, it allowed just three walks. On Wednesday, one walk and two hit-by-pitches. 

Sophomore right-hander Alessandro Martinez mentioned how confidence can help a pitcher, particularly with throwing first-pitch strikes. 

"As a pitcher, having all the confidence behind you just makes you want to just throw strikes," Martinez said. "(You can) pound the zone and not be really scared. I tip my cap to the defense. They have been phenomenal all summer." 

Walnut Creek also limited hits alongside the walks. Walnut Creek allowed a mere five hits. The staff built off Tuesday, continuing to work out of trouble and let the defense behind them make plays. 

Martinez started on the bump, tossing three innings of two-hit baseball and striking out five. His five strikeouts are the highest mark he's hit this season. 

Brand continued his hot start to the season. He allowed one hit and struck out four in two innings. He went six up, six down. 

Sophomore right-hander Jacob Kobrin worked one inning in the win Tuesday. The flame-throwing right-hander allowed one hit while striking out the side. Senior right-hander Noah Zirkle had a good game despite allowing a run. He allowed one hit and didn't allow a walk. 

Then there's sophomore right-hander Miles Tenscher.

Tenscher arguably had the biggest impact. Managing around two in scoring position with only one out, he maneuvered his way around the traffic, striking out the next two. In his only inning of work, he walked one, hit one and struck out three. 

Cummings talked about what he's seen from Tenscher, who's continued to progress as the season goes along. 

"He's got an interesting release point that I think he's still getting used to," Cummings said. " From what I understand, speaking to his coach at school, they just changed that. He is gaining confidence, and it's important. Today was a huge confidence builder. Out of second and third, one out, punch out two guys and attack the zone."

Walnut Creek will return home to Monte Vista High School for a matchup against Alameda Thursday, June 18 at 4:00 PDT.