Errors cost Hoover in league opener

ARCADIA — Spotty defense in the opening inning set the tone in a negative manner for the Hoover High baseball team.

Three errors to the tune of six runs put the Tornadoes behind from the start in Tuesday's Pacific League opener at Arcadia, before eventually falling, 7-3.

"We just really didn't come ready to play," Hoover Coach Jim Delzell said. "Our inexperience and nervousness showed."

The 6-0 lead in the first inning proved to be enough for the Apaches (2-4, 1-0 in league), as the Tornadoes (1-5, 0-1) were able to string together a couple of runs, but ultimately could not break through.

Two of Hoover's runs came in the third inning as John Barcena and Tyler Delzell scored on run-scoring singles.

An RBI double by Jason Ochart in the sixth inning plated Oscar Aguirre for the Tornadoes' final run.

Ochart finished with three hits and Turner had two hits to lead the Tornadoes' hitting attack. The team finished with eight hits on the afternoon.

However, missed chances hurt the Hoover cause.

"We wasted some scoring opportunities," Delzell said. "We aren't the type of team who is going to score 10 runs."

Aguirre made the start for the Tornadoes and pitched a complete game.

Delzell was pleased by the junior right-hander's outing.

"He pitched fine," the coach said. "He battled out of trouble when he had to, we just didn't give him much help."

Hoover is next in action on Friday when they travel to play defending league champion Crescenta Valley at Stengel Field.