Preview: Gauchos prepare for OCC
The Saddleback Gauchos are getting prepared to finish off their regular season series against the Orange Coast Pirates in a battle for first place in the Orange Empire Conference at Doug Fritz field on Tuesday with first pitch at 2 p.m.
The Guachos and Pirates faced off on Saturday at OCC where Saddleback put on an offensive display with seven runs on 12 hits in their win, 7-3. Sophomore first baseman Mitchell Holland leading the way offensively going two for five with a home run while freshman starter Eric Pierce pitched a gem of a game going the distance and only allowing three runs on five hits with six strikeouts.
With the win Saddleback (19-9, 11-5) pulled two games ahead of OCC (21-9, 9-7) in the very tight OEC standings. Saddleback has split the season series with OCC, 1-1. Only eight games remain in the season and the margin for error is razor thin for the Gauchos with all the quality teams left on the schedule if they hope to make the playoffs.