BOX SCORE (coming soon)
By Nate Martin
After going undefeated in the first three games of the season, the Santa Barbara Foresters fell to the Conejo Oaks 9-5 on Wednesday. Santa Barbara outfielders Terence Kiel II and Brenton Clark each had multi-hit days, including Clark driving in two runs. On the mound, the ‘Sters pitching staff combined for ten strikeouts, including starter Drew Rerick punching out four in his first appearance. But two late rallies by the Oaks broke up a 5-5 game and led to the loss.
Action started early in the top of the first, as leadoff man Maddox Mandino was walked on four straight pitches. After Mandino stole second, he was driven in by a Clark single. Rerick, the tall right hander from Texas, impressed in his first two innings generating strikeouts both on swings-and-misses, as well as finding the corner on his off-speed pitches.
The Longhorn got more run support in the top of the third, on an extended two-out rally for the ‘Sters that brought in three runs. That included another RBI single from Clark and a two-run single by shortstop Easton Rulli. Five Foresters in a row had base hits in what was Santa Barbara’s eighth inning with three or more runs.
Conejo answered back immediately. Rerick walked the first two Oaks, which ended his day and brought in his former Texas teammate Easton Tumis. He got two quick outs but then allowed back-to-back RBI singles. The big blow for Conejo was a bases-clearing double from third baseman Tyler Holley that gave the Oaks their first lead.
That Conejo lead wouldn’t last long, as Mandino scored pinch-runner Brady Dallimore, on base after a leadoff walk from catcher Vincent Gambardella. Two more runners got on for SB, including on a double from Kiel, but were left stranded with the score tied at five.
Pitchers on both teams then took over. For Santa Barbara, right-hander Noah Waldeck got through five straight batters, while Conejo’s Spencer Kratt retired seven in a row. With the score still tied after the 7th inning stretch, the Oaks broke the deadlock. Waldeck allowed a pair of Conejo players to get on base before getting pulled for UCSB reliever Elliott Gallegos. Despite Gallegos’ efforts, the damage was already done. Two runs were scored, putting the pressure back on Santa Barbara.
With the lead established, the Oaks setup man Damon Villa sat down three straight Foresters to bring back up the bats. Gallegos let the first two Oaks on. By the end of the inning, both would score thanks to some wild pitches and a fielder’s choice. With a four-run advantage, Conejo closer Braden Lowe got three quick outs to end the game. Four of the final five innings saw the Foresters go down in order.
Santa Barbara has an off-day Thursday, as the game against the scheduled game at the MLB Academy Barons was postponed to July 15. The Foresters return to action on Friday for the home opener against the Filipinos Baseball Group. First pitch from Santa Barbara High School is set for 4:30 and will be livestreamed on the Foresters YouTube channel. Make your plans to be at the game and welcome the 2025 Foresters to Santa Barbara!
