HEMET – Linfield Christian (5-2, 0-1) defeated Hemet’s West Valley by a score of 17-2 this past Saturday thanks in part to Ryan McCalmont, who drove in four runners on the day. The Lions secured the victory thanks to nine runs in the second inning. Elijah Butler, Jake Valencia, McCalmont, Matthew Rezkalah and Cody Emig all drove in runs in the frame.

Linfield Christian shortstop Jake Valencia (24) is forced out at second base as West Valley’s Westin Bridwell looks to make the throw to first. Valley News/Action Captures Media Group

Chris Allen led things off on the hill for Linfield Christian, lasting one inning and allowing zero hits and zero runs while walking one. Linfield used the game as more of a bullpen game as Hunter Wilson, Chris Allen, Butler, Valencia and McCalmont all got their work in.

Joey Sanchez was on the mound for West Valley. The righthander allowed eight hits and 12 runs over one inning, striking out one. Nate Navarrete and AJ Martinez entered the game as relief, throwing three innings and one inning, respectively.

The Lions tallied 13 hits in the game with McCalmont, Butler, Valencia, and Rezkalah each collecting multiple hits. McCalmont went 3-for-4 at the plate with 4 RBIs and a stolen base to lead Linfield Christian on offense. Travis Favorite led West Valley with one hit in three at bats. The Lions are currently in fourth place in the Ambassador League and will take on Aquinas this week when league play begins.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist and head of the sports department at the Valley News. A former Southwestern League head baseball coach and former President of the Temecula Youth Baseball League, he has also worked as a local radio personality for All Pro Broadcasting and as a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When he’s not covering sports, JP works in the Media Technology Department for Major League Baseball.