By Dick Dornan
MyBurbank Sports Editor
In a pitching duel between talented southpaws, the Indians’ Cameron Rodriguez got the upper hand in leading Burroughs to a 4-2 victory over cross-town rival Burbank Monday night at Burbank High in the final week of VIBL action.
Rodriguez, a senior, threw six innings allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four and walking only one.
His counterpart, Burbank junior Ryan Porras, also pitched a strong game as he gave up only one hit and two earned runs in five innings of work. Despite racking up seven strikeouts, Porras also walked four batters that limited his effectiveness at times.
Burroughs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning when Jake Noud drove in the game’s first run on an RBI ground-out. Moments later Aidan Anding scored on a wild pitch by Porras.
Burbank responded in the bottom of the third with two runs of its own. With the bases loaded, Randy Higgen’s sacrifice fly to left field brought home Andy Reyes. Danny Porras, who like Reyes will be entering his freshman year in the fall, drove in Camden Palmisano on a ground-out to second to tie the game at two apiece.
The Indians tacked on a run in the fourth and one in the fifth to pull out the win. Tyler Renta had an RBI sacrifice fly to give JBHS a 3-2 lead and Anding scored again on another wild pitch for the insurance run. Anding finished 2-for-2 at the plate to go with his two runs scored.
Thomas Wilson recorded the save for Burroughs inducing a double play to end the game. The Indians won both VIBL games against the Bulldogs.
Danny Porras, who is batting .474 since being promoted on July 2, finished 2-for-3 with an RBI for Burbank.
VIBL playoffs begin on Saturday morning for both teams in a single-elimination format. Burroughs will host the Taft Titans while Burbank travels to play Crespi at Hartunian Field in Encino. Games are set for 10 a.m.
