Bulldogs tame Tigers, improve to 4-0 in Western Athletic Conference

CHS, CV to face off

Alan Marquez helped lead Ceres High to an 8-2 win over visiting Patterson on March 25. Marquez allowed two runs and six hits. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

alan.tiff — Alan Marquez helped lead Ceres High to an 8-2 win over visiting Patterson on March 25. Marquez allowed two runs and six hits. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High School's varsity baseball team improved to 11-3 on the year and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference last week following its two-game sweep of Patterson.

The Bulldogs have won 22 of 28 conference games since 2012.

"It's not like we're doing anything different from what we've done in the past," head coach John Bussard said. "We have the same philosophy. The kids know what's expected of them. We got a good group. They've been playing together for many years."

Ceres High shut out host Patterson 6-0 on Thursday.

Bulldog pitcher Brad Bussard continued his dominance on the mound.

Bussard had six strikeouts and three walks in seven innings. He gave up just one hit.

Brad ranks third in the nation with a 0.00 earned-run average. He's pitched 31 scoreless innings.

He also ranks first in the state in ERA and wins with a perfect 5-0 record.

"The fact he hasn't given up a run is a testament to him and everybody else," John Bussard said. "Brad's worked hard. He's one of the most competitive kids I've been around. He competes in everything he does. Guys are making plays behind him, too."

"I'm more relaxed and confident on the mound," Brad said. "My velocity has improved a little bit. That makes my off-speed pitches look slower. I keep hitters off-balance. I also trust my defense a lot more this year."

Brad Bussard tallied one run while contributing on offense against Patterson.

Jimmy Bates batted 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Izaiah Hernandez batted 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run.

Brandon Machado doubled and scored once.

Ceres High defeated Patterson 8-2 on Tuesday, March 25 at Art McRae Field.

Alan Marquez had another solid outing at pitcher for the Bulldogs.

Alan allowed two runs and six hits while improving his record to 3-0.

Marquez has a 1.67 ERA with 13 strikeouts and three walks in four starts this year.

Alan batted 1-for-3 from the plate with one RBI.

Ceres High totaled 11 hits.

Dylan Canatsy batted 2-for-4 from the plate with two runs.

Brad Bussard batted 1-for-2 with one double, two RBIs and one run.