That’s exactly where Hoover found itself after spotting the Moors two runs in the first inning and another in the second.
Junior catcher/first baseman Tyler Delzell quickly got the Tornadoes back within 3-2 in the top of the fourth with a picturesque drive high over the fence in left field for a two-run round-tripper with no outs.
Anthony Cuccinello singled with one out to keep the rally going, but he was stranded at first base and Alhambra went on to blow the game open in the bottom half of the frame.
With the lineup resetting to begin the inning, the first four Moors batters reached base, with No. 3 hitter Juan Crespo doubling in a run and No. 4 hitter Juan Morales pulling a double to left field that plated two.
Isaiah Marin and Andrew Figueroa also recorded RBI singles in the inning, by the end of which, Alhambra led, 9-2.
Looking dispirited, the Tornadoes saw just six total pitches before being retired in the top of the fifth, but came back with renewed fervor in the sixth.
Cameron Doran singled to lead off the inning and went to third base on a single down the right-field line by Delzell (two for three).
Bobby Romero worked a walk on seven pitches to give the Tornadoes a great chance, but the only run they would get came on a fielder’s choice groundout to plate Doran.
The other two outs came on four-pitch strikeouts looking by Alhambra reliever Gary Acuna.
“We just ran a little short there and got caught up in the moment, but we came back,” Cotti said. “We had the situation, we had them loaded, but we just weren’t able to bring those ducks home yet.
“A lot of it’s just immaturity and building it together and getting the kids to stay in the game.”
The Tornadoes will take on Rosemead in another tournament game at 11 a.m. today at Moor Field.
Get in touch GABRIEL RIZK covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3226 or at gabriel.rizk@latimes.com.
