ELK GROVE — Now the fun starts …

After dispatching Monterey Trail, 13-1, on the road Thursday, Davis High takes on Elk Grove for an away-home, two-game series that will determine the Delta Valley Conference baseball championship.

The Blue Devils used a big day by outfielder Chris Daunt to mercy-rule the Mustangs (2-23, 0-13) for the third time this season — and fifth straight dating back to last year.

Daunt’s three-run triple in DHS’ nine-run fifth inning broke open a relatively close game and made a winner of starter Josh Guerrero (3-1).

The Devils opened the scoring in the top of the first when Daunt singled home Joe Murray, who had himself singled and stolen second.

With the game tied at 1-1, Davis got an unearned run in the third inning when an error allowed John Ariola to score. The junior outfielder had singled and swiped second.

Brett Bloomfield and Murray had base knocks early in the fourth frame. Murray’s hit then drove in Bloomfield after he swiped the locals’ fourth base of the afternoon. Murray eventual came home after singles by Ariola, Daunt and Bobby Young’s sacrifice fly.

After that, the flood gates open as things returned to normal in this lopsided series.

Ryan Kreidler and Bloomfield singles were sandwiched around walks to Trey Golston, Murray and Ariola before Daunt’s three-bagger to right-center field. The hit came with two outs and two strikes on Daunt.

And the beat went on …

Young’s safety brought in Daunt, Drew Gnos singled home Young, C.K. Hicks’ base hit plated Gnos before Hicks came in on Nick Pohl’s single.

Manny Guerrero, Josh’s brother, pitched a scoreless fifth inning to close things out. Starter Guerrero allowed three hits and fanned three.

Now. the Blue Devils (20-5, 13-0) travel to play the Thundering Herd (20-4, 12-1) at 4:15 p.m. Friday. Ace Matt Trask (6-1, 0.93 earned run average) gets the ball from coach Dan Ariola.

Ariola is undecided about his starter for Tuesday’s home game with Elk Grove, DHS’ regular-season finale.

“It depends on happens (Friday),” the skipper told The Enterprise. “We’ll have (Jake) Miille and (Adam) Inouye in relief (Friday) … and Bobby Young, if we need him.”

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DHS’ Chris Daunt — seen here taking a swing in a game earlier this season — had a big three-run triple on Thursday to help the Blue Devils win, 13-1, at Monterey Trail. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise file photo

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