Camarillo Again Stumbles Early in Denver, 10-3

The Camarillo American Legion team lost the opening game of the Cherry Creek Classic in Denver last year yet won the next four to take the consolation title.

And, after another faulty start, Camarillo has a chance to defend that title this year.

Farmington, N.M., scored four unearned runs in the third against Camarillo right-hander Steve Biggs (3-1) and took advantage of six errors en route to a 10-3 win in a first-round game Thursday at Aurora Central High.

Not only did Camarillo stumble defensively, it stranded 11 baserunners in the seven-inning game.

“We left a ton of guys out there,” Camarillo Coach Rich Herrera said. “That’s exactly what it was, we just didn’t get them home.”

Farmington first baseman Tommy Isaaks managed to get plenty of players home. He was 2 for 4 with a home run, a double and five runs batted in. Isaaks keyed the four-run third with a three-run homer. Camarillo (9-1) committed three errors in the inning.

Farmington (22-2) scored three earned runs in the fourth off Biggs to take a 7-1 lead.

Gil Valencia was 1 for 3 and had two RBIs and John Swanson was 3 for 4 for Camarillo, which faces Aurora in the first game of a doubleheader today. In the second game, Camarillo plays Albuquerque, which has won both of its games.