By Cole Walker
Despite a late 7th inning comeback, the early offense created by the boys from Orange County proved to be too much for the ‘Sters as the Riptide held on to secure a 5-4 win against Santa Barbara Sunday night.
The Foresters tried to establish their presence early with a TJ Pompey fielder’s choice knock in the top half of the first which allowed a speedy Dylan Maxcey to score from third. However, the Riptide responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning.
O.C. added another run to the scoreboard in the second and proceeded to tack on 3 more in the bottom of the fourth.
A late seventh inning push fueled by a Daniel Patterson pinch hit 2-run RBI single to right attempted to aid a late game comeback for the ‘Sters. Patterson’s rip was followed up by both a Jack Holman sac fly RBI, and a big TJ Pompey double to left which scored an eager Jonah Sebring from second.
A 2-out pitching change, followed by a quick strikeout enabled the Riptide to cling to a 1 run lead heading into the 8th.
Unfortunately, following a quick top of the 8th, a crafty Riptide bullpen put the kibosh on any hope the Foresters had for a miracle rally with a 1-2-3 9th, ending the game, and sealing the ‘Sters fate.
The Foresters now fall to 7-5 on the year and 3rd in the CCL southern division standings.
Hopefully the ‘Sters can bounce back Tuesday afternoon as their non-CCL opponent, the San Diego Bombers, come to town. First pitch is slated for 4:30 at Eddie Mathews Field.
