Hoover strikes out 12 as San Marcos wins first round CIF-SS playoff game over Claremont

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - After a funky first inning left-handed star pitcher Chase Hoover quickly gained control and San Marcos defeated Claremont 6-4 in a CIF-SS Division 5 first round playoff game.

The visiting Wolfpack scored two runs in the top of the first on two soft singles, two walks and a passed ball.

But the TCU-commit Hoover found his groove as he struck out 12 batters in 6 1/3 innings of work, allowing just four hits and no more walks after the first inning.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth the Channel League Champion Royals erupted for four runs.

Emmitt Speake doubled in Aidan Mandel to tie the game at 2.

Chris Neal hit a fielder's choice and Speake scored from third as the throw home from second was late and wide as the Royals grabbed a 3-2 lead.

Still in the fourth Joaquin Sandoval delivered the key hit, a two-out, two-run single to left to make it 5-2 San Marcos.

The Royals will travel to Hesperia on Tuesday, June 8 and play Sultana in a second round game.