Sports Briefs: Pacifics stumble in Pecos League title series opener

The San Rafael Pacifics again dug themselves an early hole as they fell 24-4 to the host Alpine Cowboys in Texas in Saturday’s opener of the best-of-three Pecos League championship series.

San Rafael (35-26) lost the opener of the division semifinals and finals against Marysville and Bakersfield, respectively, but rallied every time to claim the Pacific Division pennant for the second season in a row.

The Mountain Division champion Alpine Cowboys (50-5) jumped on San Rafael early, scoring 19 runs in the first three innings. Alpine hitters connected for 19 hits, led by Josh Rego, Kyle Rodriguez, and Matteo Avallone, each of whom had three hits.

San Rafael took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Esai Santos led off with a double and scored on a single by Beau Dorman. However, Alpine rallied with six runs in the bottom half of the inning and then added 10 more in the second and three more in the third.

Pacifics starter Owen Cuffe lasted just 1 1/3 innings, giving up nine runs, nine hits, and four walks. Three San Rafael pitchers allowed 13 walks overall, and the Pacifics committed three errors in the field.

Esai Santos led San Rafael hitters with two hits.

The Pacifics will send their No. 1 starter, Alex Valasek, to the mound Sunday for Game 2 in attempt to tie the series. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m, PST.  A third game, if necessary, will begin at the same time on Monday.

Valasek was the unanimous selection as Pacific Division Pitcher of the Year as he went went 7-1 with a 2.07 ERA for the Pacifics during the regular season. He struck out 102 batters in 69 1/3 innings, walking only 16.