Merced remains in playoff hunt with win over Golden Valley

Trevor Phillips pitched six scoreless innings and the Merced High offense pounded out nine hits in a 10-0 win over Golden Valley at Doug Fister Field on Thursday afternoon.

The game was stopped after six innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.

The win keeps the Bears’ playoff hopes alive, but Merced isn’t getting the help it wants in Turlock. Pitman (15-8 overall, 7-4 Central California Conference) defeated Turlock (9-2 CCC) for the second time this week to remain two games ahead of Merced (13-8, 5-6) for the third and final playoff spot in the CCC with four games remaining.

Tanner Pellissier and Phillips doubled during the Bears’ three-run first inning. Merced added three more runs in the second inning with the help of three Golden Valley errors and two walks to open up a 6-0 lead.

Jacob Alarcon led the Merced offense, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Josh May and Pellissier added two hits each and Ulonzo Gilliam scored three runs.

Phillips struck out six and scattered four hits.

The two teams will finish their three-game series tonight at Merced High with the Nannini Game. The pregame ceremony is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 8:43 PM with the headline "Merced remains in playoff hunt with win over Golden Valley."