by Nathan Percy

Sonora left-fielder Austin Luis was the only left-handed batter in the Raiders lineup in Friday's 4-3 come-from-behind win against St. Bonaventure of Ventura in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.

Luis took advantage of the matchup against St. Bonaventure right-hander Josh Grajeda by hitting 2-for-4, reaching base three times and producing the game winning hit in the bottom of the seventh inning when he drove in Jimmy Litchfield on a line drive that bounced off the right field wall.

“The first pitch I saw was an inside fastball and I thought I should have gone for it, but he came back with an inside pitch and it was just right there,” Luis said.

With the score tied at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Litchfield started off with a leadoff single and advanced to second base on a hit-and-run in which third baseman Jordan Farris made a great play to retire Travis Sais. An intentional walk allowed Luis the opportunity for a fourth at bat.

“I knew as I was going down the line that it was in there and I'm just glad I got the hit,” Luis said.

The top three members of Sonora's lineup: Eric Park, Litchfield and Sais, each had two hits and all three had one extra-base hit.

Raiders starter Garret Levsen pitched a complete game and gave up three earned runs on five hits while striking out six batters. The senior fell behind early after giving up consecutive base hits and allowing them to advance on a passed ball.

Seraphs' designated hitter Cody Kurz then made him pay by ripping a double that brought home both base runners and gave St. Bonaventure (16-15, 9-3) an early 2-0 lead.

In the third inning, a leadoff walk and an error by shortstop Ray Valenzuela led to an RBI groundout by Jordan Farris, giving the visiting team a 3-1 advantage.

Levsen would settle down from there, only allowing two hits and a walk. Levsen also prevented any base runners from reaching second after the third inning.