Sophomore Christian Hurtado was hit by a comebacker on Wednesday night at Blair Field and remains in Millers Children’s Hospital, but his jersey hung in the Jordan dugout yesterday at Cabrillo High and the Panthers won one for their teammate, 8-3.

Christian’s brother Robert has been the Panthers’ most consistent hitter in the leadoff spot, and head coach Marc Prager moved him down to the three hole to, “put some guys in front of him.”  The senior made the move payoff, going 1-for-3 with a huge two-run double that opened the game up to go along with two runs scored and two stolen bases.

Jordan took the early lead with two runs in the top of the first, two more in the second, and one in the third. Meanwhile on the mound, Jaime Reyes pitched well and only gave up one earned run while striking out five and walking three.  Sidearm slinger Christian Medina came in and struck out one to close the door in the seventh.

Offensively, Eric Hernandez filled in for Robert in the leadoff spot and went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases. Richard Gallegos went 2-for-3 with a double and two stolen bases while Phillip Berman was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI.
 
“The guys really wanted to stay out of the cellar,” said Prager.  “And they really wanted it for Christian.”  The skipper went to visit the sophomore after the game to deliver a poster the team made for him, and word is that he’ll be released on Sunday with a clean bill of health.