LA PUENTE - The 2-0 Nogales victory over visiting Temple City on Tuesday afternoon was more than just another early season high school baseball game.

It was win No. 600 in the storied 35-year career of Nobles coach John Romano.

"If nothing else gets written today I just want to thank everybody that has played for me," Romano said. "If I hadn't had baseball in my life, I don't know what I would have done. I was able to make a nice career because all the kids were so unselfish when they played here."

The Rams (3-2) went with ace Gabe Juarez, who pitched a four-hitter and gave up two runs in the fourth inning.

"He's (Juarez) my number one guy," Rams coach Barry Bacon said. "If he's (Romano) going to win 600, I'm going to put my best guy on the mound and he's going to have to beat him."

Senior Eric Gonzales gave up five hits and struck out nine for the Nobles (5-0) as they kept their record perfect to begin the season.

"He told me last year that I was going to be the one that got him his 600th win," Gonzales said. "But he has taught us there is more than just winning. Baseball is being part of a family, when you're on the field there is nothing else to worry about. You have to play hard, be mentally tough no matter the situation and never, never give up.