Kelly Rises as Buccaneers Fall

The Ventura County Pirates’ Golden Coast Collegiate League (GCCL) affiliate, the Ventura County Buccaneers (6-6), lost 9-1 to the Sliders Wednesday at home despite another strong outing from starting pitcher Austin Kelly.

The Sliders play in the more competitive Sunset Baseball league making the non-league loss of minimal consequence in the GCCL standings. Even with the loss, the Buccaneers are 3-2 in their last five games.

Kelly, a no decision, pitched four innings of shutout ball while striking out four and walking one. In his last two starts he has allowed a combined four runs in eight innings on seven hits. He has nine strikeouts and three walks in those two starts.

Bucs’ center fielder Nate Martinez offensively mirrored Kelly’s performance. Martinzez was two-for-three at the plate and scored the Bucs lone run when first baseman Brock Bell reached on an error in the third inning.

The Sliders took the lead for good as soon as Kelly exited the game. They ambushed the Bucs bullpen for six runs in the fifth inning and ran away with the contest. Trevor Grey was the losing pitcher.

The Bucs continue their homestand against the Metro League Eagles 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20.