Gauchos send Pirates off plank early, hold on for victory
In the middle of Thursday’s heat and wind at Saddleback’s field, the Gauchos defeated Orange Coast College, 7-4, to improve their season record against their conference rivals to three of four.
Robbie Ross (5-5), a freshmen from Northwood High School, took the mound for the Gauchos. In six innings pitched, the crafty left-hander gave up two runs while striking out four.
The Gauchos struck first in the first inning when OCC pitcher Chris Licon threw a fast ball that was crushed over the left field fence by Gauchos designated hitter Eric Mura. The solo shot was Mura’s second home run of the season. Mura finished the day with two RBI.
Also in the first inning, shortstop Colin Rooney singled to left field, allowing left fielder Mike Cole and right fielder Chad Richardson to increase Saddleback’s lead to 3-0.
In the bottom of the second inning, Mura singled to send center fielder Max Kirk in to score, putting the Gaucho’s lead to 4-0.
Licon lasted 1.1 innings, giving up four runs on four hits, while walking one and striking out none.
The Gauchos were up, 7-0, in the sixth inning when the Pirates scored two runs off Ross.
Ross was relieved by Joe Richardson, who gave up two runs in just over two innings of work, which brought the Pirates to within 7-4.
Richardon was relieved by Rich Kemp, who pitched .2 innings to get his second save of the season.
The Gauchos will host Golden West College at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday before traveling down the 91 Highway to take on Riverside, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m.
For more on The Saddleback Gauchos Baseball team visit: http://www.saddleback.edu/athletics/baseball/baseindex.
Gauchos send Pirates off plank early, hold on for victory
ATTEMPTING A COMEBACK
BRINGING THE HEAT