VC Searches for Clutch Hit in Setback to AHC

The Pirate baseball team had 15 hits, had runners on base in eight innings and moved them to scoring position in seven frames, yet could only score four runs in three columns in their 8-4 loss to Allan Hancock Saturday at Pirate Park. Reiss Calvin had three hits, stole a base, and scored twice in the game and Haiden Letzing also had three hits with an RBI. Omar Santamaria recorded three hits, including a double for Ventura (11-17, 6-9).

VC used eight pitchers in the game in trying to stop the Bulldogs, who totaled 16 hits and eight runs in the contest.

For the second day in a row, AHC came out strong with two runs in each of the first two innings for a 4-0 advantage.

The Pirates finally got on the board in the bottom of the third. Mason Reid, Letzing and Andrew Savage hit consecutive two-out singles with Reid coming across home on Savage's RBI.

Hancock plated two more scores in the fourth before VC answered with a pair of runs in the sixth inning.

Gage Allen hit a one-out single, and Connor Hickey reached base on a fielder's choice in which Allen was forced out at second. Calvin followed with a two-out single before Yuki Kawashima delivered a two-RBI double for a 6-3 Pirate deficit.

The Bulldogs scored one more run in the seventh and eighth frames before the Pirates plated one in the bottom of the ninth.

Calvin led off the inning with a single and he stole second base. Two outs later Letzing singled him home to set the final 8-4 margin.

Ventura next begins a two-game set with Mt. San Jacinto at Pirate Park on Tuesday April 4. First pitch is slated for 1:00 pm.