Ballard Dominates as Tam Opens MCAL Play with 5-1 Win Over Terra Linda
TERRA LINDA — Senior Hank Ballard was nearly unhittable Wednesday, striking out a career-high 10 batters over five innings as Tamalpais opened MCAL play with a commanding 5-1 road victory over Terra Linda.
Ballard allowed just two hits and one run, setting the tone early and giving the Hawks everything they needed to steal the opener of the two-game series. Senior Henry Pearson came on in relief and was equally sharp, retiring six straight over two scoreless innings to close it out.
The offense gave Ballard plenty to work with. Junior Anthony Murphy was the standout at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and an RBI. Senior Cole Kramlich matched him hit-for-hit, adding three hits of his own, four stolen bases, and an RBI in a performance that kept Terra Linda's defense scrambling all afternoon. Junior Dara Zolfaghari provided the finishing blow with his first home run of the season, punctuating the Hawks' late-inning surge.
Terra Linda wasn't without its bright spots. Sophomore starter Silas Larsen pitched admirably under pressure, going five-plus innings, striking out six, and limiting Tam to three earned runs before the Hawks pulled away. Augie Hamann led the Trojans offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
The two teams meet again Friday for the series finale. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. at Tam High.
Box Score Notables
Tam — Ballard: 5 IP, 10 K, 2 H, 1 R; Murphy: 3-4, 3 2B, RBI; Kramlich: 3-4, 4 SB, RBI; Zolfaghari: 1-3, HR
Terra Linda — Larsen: 5.1 IP, 6 K, 6 H, 3 R; Hamann: 2-3, RBI
