By Cole Walker
A deadly combination of offensive ingenuity and defensive domination made a Foresters win unavoidable as Santa Barbara was able to defeat the California Coastal Dodgers 15-0 Thursday night at Eddie Mathews field.
The Foresters wasted no time getting on the scoreboard early by putting up 7 runs off 4 hits and 3 walks in the bottom of the first. The inning was highlighted by a massive Drew Markle home run to deep left center field that helped establish the ‘Sters offensive presences with authority.
The bats weren’t done yet though, as the ‘Sters would go on to add 3 in the second and 2 in the fourth thanks to a big Jackson Freeman double and several fielding errors by the Dodgers. The Foresters made sure to put up some insurance runs in both the fifth and eight as well, increasing their impressive lead to 15.
The run support did not go to waste too, as the Forester’s pitching staff was in command from the get-go. The dynamic blend of Hudson Hamilton, Brady Spencer, and Jake Fields proved to be too much for the Coastal Dodgers as the ‘Sters hurlers were able to pitch 9 scoreless innings whilst striking out 15 along the way and collectively throwing a one-hit ballgame.
When asked about the team’s pitching performances, pitching coach Ryan Kramer said “We dominated! Kinda wanted that no-hitter, but it was good to get a lot of guys in. Brady Spencer has been just the best around the dugout and on the team and it was great to get him out there, and then he carved them up too. That felt good…it’s always good when guys can throw all their pitchers for strikes, and it makes pitching easier”
The ‘Sters hope to secure another team win tomorrow evening against the Menlo Park Legends. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30.
