Josh Haley pitches Gahr past Downey to clinch share of SGVL title

DOWNEY >> Inclement weather, a big strike zone, two live arms and error-free defense created perfect conditions for a pitcher’s duel on Friday afteoon at Downey High. Gahr pitcher Josh Haley carried his team to a 3-0 San Gabriel Valley League win over Downey that all but clinches the league title for the Gladiators (21-5, 8-0 SGVL), who are ranked No. 1 in the latest CIF-SS Division 2 poll.

The junior left-hander struck out 12 and allowed three hits in a shutout while senior catcher Victor Salazar drove in the eventual game-wiing run in the sixth iing.

“I’ve been working with (Haley) since my sophomore year, and I’ve been with (Gahr head coach Gerardo Perez) for four years so they have confidence in me, and I’m confident in (Haley),” Salazar said. “He had a tough finish to last season, so he’s out here trying to get revenge on everybody.”

Haley didn’t allow a ruer to reach second base, and he struck out the side for the second time in the seventh iing to set off the celebration.

“He’s leaed how to compete in the face of adversity,” Perez said of Haley. “(Salazar) has been with me a long time and I like to give kids the opportunity to grow. (Salazar) was out there positioning the defense while calling the pitches. That’s next level.”

Downey (12-14, 6-2 SGVL) kept the game scoreless until the sixth iing thanks to a strong performance from pitcher Andy Hurtado. The junior right-hander allowed six hits and walked two batters while recording seven strikeouts. During a stretch from the second iing to the fourth, Hurtado and Haley combined to strike out ten of the 19 batters they faced.

The humid air in Downey tued into a light rain shower in the sixth iing when Gahr finally got on the board. Second baseman Jesus Salazar drew a leadoff walk and stole second before Victor Salazar drove him in with a one-out triple to center field. The Gladiators would score two more runs in the seventh iing thanks to a triple from senior Oscar Carvajal, an RBI single from pinch-hitter Chase Alvarado and a bases-loaded walk to Haley, who had two walks, a single and a stolen base. Haley then went back to the mound in the rain and struck out six of the last ten batters he faced.

“I tried not to think about it,” Haley said of the rain. “You just have to get a good grip (on the ball) and stay on top. It’s big to finish league undefeated.”

Gahr can do that next week when they play two games against four-win Dominguez. One win will clinch the outright league title. Downey will try to maintain their hold on second place in league when they take on Paramount in the final two games of the regular season.

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