By Cole Walker
Photos by Eric Isaacs
The hitting finally came through to help propel the Foresters to a 9-2 win against their bitter CCL rivals from San Luis Obispo.
The bats came alive early for the ‘Sters with a leadoff single from Kaden Peterson starting the 1st inning rally off strong. Following a stolen base from the right fielder, and a base knock by shortstop TJ Pompey, designated hitter Jack Holman stepped up to the plate and slapped a strong ground ball to first base which allowed Peterson to come around and score off a fielder’s choice.
The hit parade continued with a 2-out RBI single to left from local product Daniel Patterson, that scored Pompey from second which helped the ‘Sters secure a 2-run lead in the first inning.
The run support did not go to waste thanks to the fantastic work done by Forester’s starter
Cody Howard going 4 2/3 innings with 7 strikeouts and no earned runs.
The Blues responded in kind with a run of their own in the top of the 5th due to a combination of walks and fielding error. However, Santa Barbara relief pitcher Jake Fields closed the door in the back half of the inning by inducing a bases loaded grounder to second.
The ‘Sters added some insurance runs in the bottom of the 7th thanks to another lead-off hit by Kaden Peterson, a Nolan Souza ground-rule double, and a pinch-hit fielder’s choice by Jesse Di Maggio. The Foresters weren’t done yet though, adding 3 more through a Nik Sanders pinch-hit double, scoring Souza from second, and Drew Markle RBI single to right, scoring pinch runner Jack Bollinger from 3rd. Johnny Rodriguez followed suit by putting a slow rolling ball into play that was bobbled by the Blues pitcher which allowed a speedy Drew Markle to score from second.
Dee Kennedy had a highlight-reel catch in left early in the game to keep the game close.
Recent high school grad Addison Klepsch (pictured above) put the nail in the coffin in the bottom of the 8th by sending a moonshot over the left field fence to add 3 more to the Foresters lead and secure the California Collegiate League win.
Come watch the Foresters live tomorrow at Eddie Mathews Field with first pitch getting underway at 4:30pm or tune into the ‘Sters live streamed broadcast by visiting our YouTube channel.
