Saint Mary’s Gaels Dominate Santa Clara Broncos in Series Opener
The Saint Mary’s baseball team secured a commanding 8-1 victory over Santa Clara on Friday, April 10, 2026, powered by a stellar performance from starting pitcher John Damozonio. The Gaels utilized a combination of efficient hitting and dominant pitching to take the first game of the weekend series in Santa Clara, California.
Damozonio’s Dominance on the Mound
Senior right-hander John Damozonio delivered a masterclass in pitching, completing seven innings for the second consecutive outing. Damozonio allowed only one run on eight hits while striking out a game-high eight batters. He threw 109 pitches and did not issue a single walk, marking the first time in three weeks that Santa Clara failed to draw a walk at the plate.
This performance earned Damozonio his sixth win of the season, maintaining his lead as the winningest starter in the West Coast Conference (WCC). He currently holds a 6-1 record and tied his career high for innings pitched in a single game.
Efficient Offense Powers the Gaels
Saint Mary’s offense was highly productive, recording eight runs on ten hits. The Gaels showcased significant depth, with hitters in the 6-9 spots of the lineup combining for seven hits. Senior shortstop Jared Mettam contributed two extra-base hits to the effort.
The Gaels’ scoring was highlighted by two three-run surges in the third and sixth innings. Diego Castellanos and Jacob Johnson both recorded multiple hits and combined for four RBI, ensuring the Gaels maintained a comfortable lead throughout the contest.
WCC Standings and Impact
Following the victory, Saint Mary’s improved its overall record to 19-14 and its conference record to 6-4. The Gaels continue to lead the WCC in nearly every major offensive category. Meanwhile, Santa Clara fell to 13-19 overall and 3-7 in conference play.
- Final Score: Saint Mary’s 8, Santa Clara 1.
- Pitching MVP: John Damozonio (7 IP, 1 ER, 8 K, 0 BB).
- Offensive Highlights: 10 hits total; Castellanos and Johnson combined for 4 RBI.
- Current Records: Saint Mary’s (19-14, 6-4 WCC); Santa Clara (13-19, 3-7 WCC).
Looking Ahead
Saint Mary’s enters the remainder of the series with significant momentum, bolstered by a pitching staff that can neutralize opposing bats and an offense that is firing on all cylinders across the entire lineup.