Kriske’s 10th Inning Homer Puts Aztecs in C.I.F. Semi-Finals

Brooks Kriske lived out a dream on Friday. With his team’s playoff game tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the 10th, Kriske lifted a pitch to right-center field for a 2-run, walk-off home run, and sent the Palm Desert Aztecs into the C.I.F. semi-finals.

The defending champs had to come back from a 4-3 deficit to survive and advance vs. Sonora. Before Kriske’s heroics, Ryan Garvey singled to start the inning. Garvey later advanced to third base on a throwing error. David Schuknecht then hit a double with two outs on a full count to score Garvey and tie the game at 4, thus setting the stage for Kriske’s dramatic game winner.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Kriske of his home-run. “I just wanted a hit, and when I saw it go out, I didn’t know what to think. It was just a huge plus for me.”

Coach Daryl Salazar praised his team for their ability to fight back. “These kids don’t quit. It’s wonderful, just wonderful to see them do this… so rewarding.”

The Aztecs won their first C.I.F. championship last year and can return to the title game with a victory over Oaks Christian on Tuesday (May 31). That game will take place at College of the Desert with a 3:15 p.m. start.