Rough season for Gauchos baseball continues with a loss in their final home game
First baseman Lee Casas stretches to catch the ball and record the out. (Tameem Seraj)
Saddleback baseball team lost its last home game of the season to Riverside College 4-1 on Thursday in a rare night game.
The stadium lights shining brightly were an odd sight for both players and spectators who are used to seeing sunshine during games.
With the loss Saddleback’s record drops to 14-21 overall and 8-13 in conference play. Riverside improved its record to 18-18 overall and 11-10 in conference.
The Gauchos jumped out to an early lead in the second inning. First baseman Lee Casas doubled to lead off the inning then moved to third base after a fly out by catcher Kyle Ferret. Casas scored after a groundout by shortstop Joppi Martin who picked up the run batted in.
The Gauchos looked to be in total control of the game with pitcher Taylor Ohl taking a no hitter into the fifth inning but the Tigers tied the game at one with a leadoff double, a bunt to move the runner from second to third, and a groundout that scored the runner from third.
Ohl fell apart in the sixth inning giving up three runs on four hits including a two-run homer that barely stayed fair by third baseman Ricardo Rodriguez to put the Tigers up 4-1. Kyle Katsandris relieved Ohl and did well to keep Saddleback within striking distance but the offense couldn’t come through. Katsandris pitched 3.2 innings giving up only two hits and no runs.
The Gauchos looked like they had some life in the ninth inning getting two singles but the Tigers got out of the inning unscathed to finish the win.
Pitcher Blake Burrell was dominant on the mound for the Tigers throwing a complete game. Burrell gave up four hits and an earned run while striking out four and improved his record to 6-0 for the season. Ohl took the loss for the Gauchos dropping his record to 3-4 for the season.
Casas got two hits in four at bats and scored a run for the Gauchos. Jackson Jones also got two hits in four at bats with a run and a run batted in.
Pitcher Taylor Ohl throws a curveball. (Tameem Seraj)