By Olivia Hovorka
(Photo by Lexi Brintle)
The ‘Sters closed out their homestand with a hard-fought 5-2 loss to the SLO Blues, despite showcasing timely offense, and a standout performance on the mound. In what was a true pitcher’s duel, the ‘Sters were ultimately outmatched, beaten at their own game by five errors in the field.
Frank Camarillo started the game for the ‘Sters and held the Blues scoreless through the first four innings, collecting 10 strikeouts along the way. Terrence Kiel got the offense going with a double in the bottom of the first. Walks to Brenton Clark and Sawyer Farr loaded the bases for Cole Chamberlain, who drove in two runs with a single, scoring Kiel and Clark.
In the top of the second, Camarillo’s command was on full display. He struck out the side on nine pitches, marking an immaculate inning that fired up the dugout and the fans. The moment was announced over the PA by his teammate Josh Hyneman, as the fans cheered him on.
The game moved quickly with both pitchers working efficiently. Camarillo continued to control the pace, while the ‘Sters looked for opportunities to add on. In the bottom of the fourth, Brady Dallimore singled with two outs, followed by a walk from Caleb Hoover to put two runners on.
As kids ran the “Finney’s Footrace” in the outfield between innings, fans kept an eye on Camarillo, who was cruising at just 42 pitches through four, sharp innings. After giving up a surprise home run and tying up the score at the top of the sixth, Camarillo got back on the horse, picking off a SLO runner at first.
The Blues began to challenge the ‘Sters, putting up a one-run lead in the sixth, perpetuating a pitching change for the Foresters: #29 Jaden Barfield. Down 3-2, Barfield brought fresh energy to the mound, building off of Camarillo’s grit. The ‘Sters stalled during the bottom of the seventh, getting picked off at first, Barfield looking to keep the momentum rolling in the eighth.
Barfield, as expected, brought energy and command to the mound, recording three strikeouts and working to keep the ‘Sters within reach heading into the eighth. Easton Moomau and Brenton Clark each singled, giving the offense a spark. Easton Rulli entered as a pinch runner for Moomau but was caught attempting to steal third. Clark advanced to second, but the rally plateaued with a strikeout to end the inning.
The ‘Sters entered the ninth still trailing, now 5-2 despite their push in the eighth. Barfield continued to battle, finishing his outing with four strikeouts before being relieved by Zack James. However, the Blues extended their lead with two more runs, as the ‘Sters struggled to stay locked in. Head coach Bill Pintard could be seen working to refocus his team, keeping the energy positive as they looked for a late-game response.
With two outs in the ninth, Klepsch singled and Mandino drew a walk, offering a glimmer of hope. But the late rally fell short. Despite the loss, the ‘Sters left everything on the field, their passion, evident. This is a team built on heart, talent, and relentless work ethic ,and they’ll look to bring that same fire on the road as they head to Sinsheimer Park for a pair of rematches against the Blues. Tune in on the Foresters YouTube at 6 pm June 24 and June 25.
Catch the ‘Sters back at Eddie Mathews Field on June 27th, as they take on Conejo Oaks at 4:30 pm.
