Pirates Drop Opener at Arroyo Seco 8-3

PASADENA – The Pirates officially took the field for the first time since the 2019 Sunset League Championship, and despite some strong performances came up short against the Arroyo Seco Saints of the California Collegiate League. The scorching June heat gave way to a humid dusk, but it was the home team who stayed hot the longest.

Head coach George Vranau said it ultimately came down to two pitches that were hit deep, resulting in a grand slam and a three-run homer. "Without those," he said, "it's a 3-1 win for us instead."

Darren Taylor batted in all three Pirate runs, the first one from a single that scored David Reyna, and a two-run home run to right field that scored Trenton Pallas. And on the pitching side, Derek Potts threw 3 2/3 innings of no-hit baseball, striking out five Saints batters along the way.

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Just like in 2019, Ventura County's non-league schedule will consist primarily of CCL opponents. Wednesday will be the second leg of this home-and-home with the Saints, and first pitch is scheduled for 4:30 at LA Valley College. The game will be broadcast on Facebook Live