Spartans stunned by two-out rally
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

The Spartans were so close, they could almost taste the Dodger Dogs.

And then, just like that, the feeling vanished.

Although Rio Mesa High's baseball team had a great year, it could not stop a twoout, seventhinning rally by visiting Vista Murrieta in the CIF-Southern Section Division II semifinal game on Tuesday, losing 5-4.

The Spartans were one out away from a trip to Dodger Stadium when Bronco senior Ronnie Sims hit a double to left.

Moments later, Vista Murrieta senior Sean McGehee drove in pinch runner Chris Marpo with the tying run on a double to right field. Senior Alfonso Casillas then laced a single to left, driving in McGehee with the go-ahead run.

Rio Mesa attempted a come back in the bottom half of the inning, but the Spartans were retired in order, and the season was over.

After the game, Rio Mesa head coach David Soliz was nearly at a loss for words.

"Of all my losses I've ever experienced in baseball, this is the hardest one to take; this game is No. 1," Soliz said.

"I gathered my team around, and I told them I don't know what to say. I didn't have a speech prepared for something like this. I am what I am, and I just spoke from my heart and told them I was very proud of them, and I thanked them for all their hard work this year."

Although Rio Mesa pitcher Jordan Lindebaum couldn't quite get the last out in time for the Spartans, the loss was hardly his fault. Lindebaum carried Rio Mesa on his shoulders in the postseason, winning both of his previous two playoff starts before pitching another complete game at home Tuesday.

Lindebaum gave up two runs in the first inning but seemed to be on cruise control after that, pitching four straight scoreless innings before allowing the Broncos' third run in the sixth.

Lindebaum also helped with the bat, singling home two runs to give the Spartans a 3-2 lead in the first inning.

After the game, Lindebaum reflected on his career in a Spartan uniform.

"The one thing I learned while at Rio Mesa was how much baseball is a team sport," Lindebaum said. "That was really emphasized while I was here.

"I'm going to miss the Rio Mesa attitude we had. I'm also going to miss playing with sophomore Randy Cervantes. He has a really big heart and was always motivated to play."

Although Rio Mesa was close to a trip to Chavez Ravine, early on in the season it looked as if the only chance the team had of making it anywhere near the title game was to buy a ticket.

The Spartans lost their first four games, and entering the month of April the team was under .500 at 6-7. RMHS, however, responded nicely by winning 10 of its last 14 games.

Soliz said he will miss Lindebaum and his other seniors, including Wes Cwiklo, Martin Torres, Alex Ramirez and Chris Defratus.

"I actually didn't talk to them after the game," Soliz said while fighting back tears. "I'll see them again soon, and then we'll talk. When I look back on them I'll remember the work ethic they had and the desire they had."