The Santa Barbara Foresters swept the Los Angeles Brewers Friday afternoon with a tremendous start by Gary Cornish highlighting the 6-0 shut out victory. The win also guaranteed the ‘Sters the best record of the regular season in the California Collegiate League.
Cornish went seven strong innings allowing no runs, three hits, one walk, and fanning six batters. He picked up the team-leading eighth win.
Santa Barbara instantly got on the board with the leadoff man Ryan Chandler, who had three hits in the game. Chandler hit a laser to left field and came in to score when Jeremy Montalbano crushed the ball nearby to left center.
A couple innings later the ‘Sters broadened the gap by driving in three runs. Matt Henderson dropped one in behind shortstop with Granger Studdard following up with a double to right center. Montalbano then ripped a liner to the same location as his previous at bat and produced a similar result: a two-RBI double, making it 3-0. Troy Conyers capped off the scoring as he sliced the ball up the middle and Montalbano crossed home.
In the seventh inning, Santa Barbara tacked on another run. With Chandler starting off the inning once more, he picked up a single and stole second with Henderson batting. Studdard hit a bouncer up the middle and Chandler raced all the way home for the fifth Forester run.
The ‘Sters collected one last run in the ninth inning. Chandler struck his third hit to get the action underway. The bases soon became loaded after pinch hitter John Holland drew a walk and Studdard was drilled. Trevor Abrams ultimately drove in the final run with a sac fly to wrap up the 6-0 win.
Santa Barbara is back in action tomorrow Saturday, July 25 when they host the San Luis Obispo Blues for a pair of games. First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.
-Cindy Alamillo
