Twitter: @SBForesters
The defending champions Santa Barbara Foresters made their presence felt today in the opening round of the NBC World Series advancing to the winners bracket with a 9-3 win over the San Antonio Titans.
Gary Cornish had an impressive outing, pitching seven strong innings of two run ball while striking out seven. Cornish got help from the offense as the ‘Sters jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top half of the first.
John Holland continued to produce in the leadoff spot drawing a leadoff walk and later came around to score on an RBI double by Matt Henderson. Granger Studdard was then hit by a pitch and Jeremy Montalbano singled, bringing in Henderson and moving Studdard to third. A well executed drag bunt by Michael Smith plated Studdard, and the ‘Sters found themselves quickly up 3-0.
The Titans managed two runs of their own in the bottom of the second cutting the lead to 3-2 after a Nick Lerick two-run home run, but the Foresters responded by adding four more in the top of the third and extending their lead to 7-2.
Santa Barbara added two more in the top of the sixth, jumping out to a 9-2 lead, and that was more than enough run support.
Cornish improved his record to a team leading 9-1 while lowering his ERA to an impressive 2.18. Offensively the Foresters found contribution from a variety of hitters. Chandler, Henderson, Montalbano, and Brontsema had two hits apiece, and Montalbano tacked on two RBI.
The Foresters will play tomorrow at 4 p.m. with the opponent TBD.
-Jonathan Herkins
