GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley High School varsity baseball finished their 2021 season at home on Friday, May 28, 2021 against Las Plumas High School in a 1-0 walk-off win in the bottom of the seventh inning. The seniors really stepped up in their final game of their high school careers in that last inning. An absolutely phenomenal outing on the bump from senior Cameron Erickson with his senior counterpart, Brady Crabtree behind the plate. The duo, with the backing of the Bulldog defense, held the Thunderbirds scoreless through seven innings.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, senior Jayden Vallejo, laid down a perfect bunt to get on base. Senior Ezra Martinez followed up with a sacrifice bunt to move Vallejo over to second base. After senior Ethan Santillan was intentionally walked to load the bases, senior Arden Anderson stepped to the plate. Anderson drove the ball into the gap to walk it off for the Bulldog victory.

The Bulldogs finished their 2021 season 16-7 overall (10-3 Butte View League). The team finished the season with a six game winning streak beating teams from Wheatland High School (x2), Oroville High School (x2), and Las Plumas High School (x2).

The Bulldogs offense was led by sophomore, Michael Ryan, who hit .452 on the season with 28 hits, 32 runs scored, 33 runs batted in, 11 doubles, 1 triple, and 4 home runs, and senior Cameron Erickson, who hit .397 on the season with 27 hits, 16 runs scored, 25 runs batted in, 6 doubles, and 2 triples. Both players were awarded co-offensive players of the year by the coaching staff for their success in the batter’s box. Arden Anderson and Aden Brothers were awarded co-defensive players of the year by the coaching staff for their success in the outfield (Anderson) and on the pitcher's mound (Brothers) for the team. Brady Crabtree was awarded the Bulldog award, which is an award given to a player who demonstrates great attributes towards the overall program. The award is a combination of work ethic, reliability, stats, attitude, and being a good teammate. Ezra Martinez was awarded the Coaches award, which is an award given to a player that the coaching staff wants to recognize for his improvement throughout the season and his contribution to the team.

Arden Anderson, Brady Crabtree, Cameron Erickson, Ethan Santillan, and Ezra Martinez all made the Northern Section California Interscholastic Federation All League baseball team. They will have an opportunity to showcase their baseball skills this summer with other All League players in the Northern Section.

The Bulldogs say good-bye to their seniors after a great season: Arden Anderson (#7), Brady Crabtree (#18), Brandon Francis (#22), Cameron Erickson (#42), Ethan Santillan (#1), Ezra Martinez (#11), and Jayden Vallejo (#28). Anderson (Butte College), Crabtree (Lassen Junior College), Erickson (Feather River Junior College), and Francis (Cabrillo Junior College) will all be moving on to the next level of the game after high school.