The Foresters got back on track Wednesday night, beating the Healdsburg Prune Packers 5-3. The Foresters got things going early with mammoth back-to-back home runs by centerfielder Colby Barrick (No. 3, pictured) and shortstop Bret Boswell in the first inning. (That makes four games in a row that the Foresters have scored in the opening frame.) The powerful batting duo was christened the “Killer Bs” for their efforts by KZSB play-by-play man John Martony. The offense seemed to have more energy and life after having difficulty finding their rhythm on Tuesday.
The Foresters mounted a two-out rally in the second to keep their foot on the gas. After an error was followed by singles from Wesley Ghan-Gibson and Kyle Isbel, Barrick delivered again, this time with a two-RBI base hit. He would finish his big day 2-for-4 with three RBI, including the big home run.
The four runs were more than enough for starter Kyle Johnston, who settled in nicely after allowing a home run to the Packers’ leadoff batter. Johnston picked up the win, going five and a third innings. He finished the day only allowing just two hits and striking out six batters.
The Foresters added their final run in the fifth thanks to another Healdsburg miscue. After Boswell singled, the Packers’ second baseman misplayed a feed that looked to be sure double play. The error allowed Boswell to reach third; he later came home on a sac fly by Trevor Abrams.
Kyle Isbel applies the tag on a throw from Kreston Woods that cut down a Packers basestealer.
Foresters newcomer Austin Blessing pitched two innings of relief and only allowed a run. Opening day starter Tanner Lawson closed things out to earn his first save of the season.
The ’Sters will play the third and final game of the series against the Packers tomorrow at 5 pm. It will be the final game at Westmont College before they go on the road this weekend. The UCSB home opener will be June 14 at 5 pm against the Ventura Halos. —Text by Ryan Riffenburgh; Photos courtesy Eric Isaacs
