Yellow Jackets fall in back-to-back playoff contests to end incredible season

After an 8-4 loss to Ramona, and a come-back bid cut short against La Jolla, Palo Verde wraps up their season

BLYTHE, Calif. (KYMA) - The Palo Verde Yellow Jackets fell 8-4 to Ramona in the second round of the CIF San Diego Section Division III baseball playoffs at Alexander Field in Blythe.

Palo Verde entered the matchup after advancing via forfeit earlier in the week and looked to earn its first on-field playoff victory of the postseason.

Yellow Jackets pitcher Wesley Dill turned in a strong outing despite the loss, striking out 11 batters over 5 2/3 innings. Dill kept Palo Verde within striking distance throughout much of the afternoon.

Ramona struck first and built a 3-0 lead in the third inning when Cal Melendez lifted a sacrifice fly to the outfield, allowing another Bulldogs run to score.

Palo Verde responded in the bottom half of the inning. Kole White lined a hard-hit ball back toward the pitcher, knocking the hurler’s cap off before the throw to first sailed wide, allowing two Yellow Jackets runners to score and cut the deficit one.

The Bulldogs later extended their lead to 4-2, but White delivered again in the fifth inning. The Palo Verde standout senior ripped a line drive down the third-base line for a two-run double that tied the game at four.

Ramona answered late, however, pulling away with a three-run home run and additional insurance runs to secure the 8-4 victory and advance to the Division III semifinals.

After the game, Palo Verde coach Jeff Phipps said defensive mistakes and free bases proved costly.

“We just kind of gave free bases,” Phipps said. “We gave them their opportunities by a couple of passed balls, let them get in scoring position, and then they capitalized on that with some base hits and fly balls.”

Phipps also praised Dill’s performance and the team’s effort at the plate.

“Wesley did a good job today on the mound,” Phipps said. “He came out and pitched strong against these guys. We faced them twice last year. They got us two times last year and knocked us out in the semifinals, and they got us today, but we swung the bat well. The little things are getting us right now.”

The longtime Palo Verde coach added that hosting playoff games in Blythe remains a source of pride for the program.

“We talk about that being way out here,” Phipps said. “We’re the furthest team in the San Diego CIF section, and we talk about it all year long when we start the season — make the San Diego teams have to come out here. I wish it was a little hotter today. It was too nice of a day. But I love representing the school. I was born and raised here, went to high school here and just love it.”

The following day on Saturday, the Yellow Jackets lost once again, this time 5-4 to La Jolla — the team that originally forfeited against them in the second round of the playoffs.

Palo Verde rallied late, eventually loading the bases and bringing in their fourth run on a four-pitch walk.

Unfortunately, the final push would end there.

On the very next pitch, a pop-up to left field would seal the game for the Vikings, marking an end to the Yellow Jackets incredible season.