Greyhound third baseman hit in face with ball

By RAOUL YSASI
Special to the NEWS

The previously unbeaten San Benito Greyhound varsity baseball team fell to 3-1 in District 31-5A play on Monday night after squaring off with another undefeated squad, the PSJA North Raiders, in a tough 13-6 loss. But that wasn’t the story of the night.

After just the third pitch of the game, third baseman Josh Huerta of the Greyhounds was struck in the face by a groundball, prompting the crowd to react with gasps. It was a scare equally shared by the ’Hounds’ skipper and entire team.

“There was a good shot to third base that hit him right in the eye,” said San Benito High School head baseball coach Ramiro Partida of Huerta’s injury.

Following the hit, a large gash was visible around Huerta’s eye. In fact, it was thought as of Monday evening that the third baseman may need facial surgery to repair whatever damage had been caused by the incident. Partida, however, said he’s been in contact with Huerta’s father and reports that such surgery may no longer be needed.

“I just finished getting off the phone with his dad,” Partida said Tuesday, referring to a conversation he had with Huerta’s father. “Josh may not need surgery, but they’re still doing some tests, and he’s not out of the woods. It’s still better news than last night, though”

In the meantime, Partida asked that the community remain supportive of Huerta and his family while they await more news. “Last night, after the game, our own kids had a little prayer for him, because prayers always help,” Partida said, adding, “I am most definitely asking that the community pray for Josh.”

As far as the game is concerned, the ’Hounds rotated five pitchers and, at one point, walked as many as seven batters in one inning, not to mention committing several costly errors. In the end, the Raiders were victorious with a 13-6 victory, this after San Benito attempted a late comeback as the ’Hounds had the bases loaded in the last inning. A groundout, however, ended the evening for the purple and gold.

Read this story in the March 13 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.