Hillmen unbeaten at Fresno Easter Classic

The Placer High School baseball team continued its recent hot streak over spring break, winning all four games at the Fresno Easter Classic to push its winning streak to seven. The Hillmen were on fire offensively, scoring 36 runs as they swept the week, ranging from run rules to shootouts to nailbiters. After opening on March 30 with a lopsided win over Fresno-Edison, Placer avenged its season-opening loss with an 8-4 win over Bradshaw Christian before taking a high-scoring battle with Buhach Colony 14-11. The Hillmen closed the week by shutting out Palo Cedro-Foothill 2-0. Placer's offense was powered by production throughout the lineup during its 4-0 tournament run, led by Gavin Otis with six hits. Will Rogers, Robby Silski and Jack Addison each had five hits, giving the Hillmen a steady middle-of-the-order presence, while Kyler Foulke totaled four hits. Placer's power showed up in timely spots with Foulke and Rogers each knocking two doubles. Otis delivered a double and a home run, and Zack Sheriff had a triple. Otis and Rogers drove in four runs each. Foulke, Jack Addison and Sam Mowry each had three RBIs. Placer's pitching staff matched the offense with quality innings in a variety of roles. Dolen Gendron threw seven shutout innings and struck out five, and Garrett Brink gave the Hillmen six innings with four strikeouts in another winning effort. Addison was strong in relief, earning a win and a save while pitching two scoreless innings. Colin Morris earned the win against Buhach Colony. Placer has nonleague outings this week against Oakmont on Thursday and Pioneer on Friday before a crucial Foothill Valley League series against Twelve Bridges.