2025 45+ National
2025 45+ National
Montebello Angels 18, OC Snappers 13
Submitted by Robert Oskin, Manager
In a rivalry game that featured relentless offense, dramatic momentum swings, and clutch late-inning heroics, the Angels outlasted the OC Snappers 18-13 in a back-and-forth 45+ National Division slugfest that kept fans on edge until the final out.
The Angels struck first and hard, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the second inning. But the Snappers responded immediately, clawing back with three runs in the top of the third to signal that the afternoon was far from over.
From the fifth through the eighth innings, the Angels’ bats caught fire. They poured on 12 runs during that stretch, flipping the game in their favor with consistent pressure up and down the lineup.
The Snappers refused to go quietly, answering with 10 runs of their own between the seventh and ninth innings to keep the contest tight deep into the game.
The defining moment came in the bottom of the seventh. Clinging to a slim 10-9 lead with two outs and two runners on, Marcos Perez delivered the knockout blow. Marcos pounded a bases-clearing triple that ignited the Angels’ dugout. Brandon Hedding, Ivan Valencia, and Ruben Hernandez followed with timely hits, pushing across four crucial runs and giving the Angels the breathing room they needed to finalize the job.
On the mound, Bobby Yanez went 4 1/3 innings, while Tony Cabrera added 4 2/3 innings of work. Despite being short-handed due to injuries to three regular pitchers, the Angels leaned heavily on just four arms all week. Luis Lira and Yosjan Brizuelas were instrumental, each throwing complete games and logging multiple innings throughout the week to help secure a championship run.
Offensively, the Angels showcased depth and balance, benefiting from strong performances by Frank Rodriguez, Sergio Alvarado, Eric Orue, Frank Medrano, and Louie Gonzalez, who also swung the bat well in victory.
Defense proved just as critical. Two game-changing plays came with two outs and runners on base. High pop-ups that drifted into the sun but were secured by Perez and Adolfo Sanchez, with both catches ending potential rallies and preserving momentum at key moments.
The challenging Sun condition made fly balls an adventure for both teams, with lost balls in the air on each side, but the impact ultimately evened out.
The win capped off a stellar week for the Angels, who finished 6-1 despite limited pitching availability. It was a complete team effort, consisting of grit, displaying resilience, and timely execution in all phases.