The Santa Barbara Foresters came from behind Sunday to win the final game of their weekend series against the MLB Academy Barons. Taking advantage of wild pitches and passed balls along with timely hitting, the Foresters came from behind to win 8-4 as they head into the summer all-star break.
The Barons jumped ahead early in the first inning against Foresters starter Justin Camp, who had a rocky start, allowing four runs in two innings. A base on balls would be driven in with a double for the quick 1-0 start.
The next inning, a two-base hit brought in the runner all the way from first. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases with no outs, however, the runner at third never tagged with consecutive fly balls to the outfield. The Barons still managed to get two more runs across with yet another double, making it a 4-0 game.
After the second inning, it was all Santa Barbara. With two outs, Dylan Paul reached base following a swinging strikeout as the catcher mishandled the ball. A passed ball, stolen base, and passed ball would enable Paul to come in as the Foresters’ first run.
In the bottom of the third, John Holland hit a grounder for a single but was able to go to third on a bad throw by the Barons’ shortstop. David Greer then ripped a liner to score Holland. Two straight wild pitches moved Greer to third, in which Paul drove him in to cut the deficit to a 4-3 score.
Looking to take the driver’s seat, ’Sters added three more runs in the fourth frame. Michael Smith singled up the middle and a bunt by Ryan Chandler put both men into scoring position after another errant throw by the Barons’ pitcher. Greer then shot a liner into the outfield gap, picking up two RBI and putting the ’Sters on top 5-4. Jeremy Montalbano got in on the action with his laser into left center that allowed Greer to come across home plate for the sixth Forester run.
A pair of runs for the ’Sters would come later in the eighth inning to extend their lead. Holland slapped the ball the other way for a single and would move to second on a passed ball. Greer collected his fourth RBI of the day with a liner to right field, making it 7-4. Lex Kaplan punched in the final Forester run when he knocked in Greer from second.
Troy Cruz made his second appearance of the series in the ninth and closed out the game with a strikeout for a final 8-4 score.
Santa Barbara is back in action Thursday, July 16 when the team heads north to face the San Luis Obispo Blues in a 5 p.m. matchup.
-Cindy Alamillo
