.jpg)
.png)
On Monday, June 12th at 4 pm, the Ventura County Pirates clashed with the SoCal Sliders at Los Angeles Valley College.
This was an intense regular-season matchup. The Pirates, carrying a strong 5-1 record into the game, were eager to continue their winning streak and demonstrate their authority on the diamond.
In a hard-fought battle, the game concluded with a final score of 6-4 for the Ventura County Pirates. The victory didn't come easy, as the Pirates found themselves trailing 4-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. However, a remarkable rally in the seventh inning saw the Pirates score three crucial runs to take the lead. The team's pitching and defense also stepped up, keeping the Sliders scoreless in the final three innings.
Sean Mann played a big role in the win, hitting a deep homer over the left field wall. This gave the Pirates a two-run cushion in the 8th inning, sealing the victory. Reflecting on his pivotal moment, Mann shared his insights, saying, "It felt good, the previous at-bat I was a little tense in that situation with runners on. I had a good talk with one of our guys and he said just loosen up and that's all it took, let the barrel do the work. This team, we went about it the right way today, had some guys lay down sac bunts, squeezes, we moved guys over, I think that's the right way to do it. If the bats aren't always there, we have to play small ball. We are just going to just stay loose, I think that's it. I think when we have a good time and don't take it too serious, that's when the ball starts flying."
Several other key players made significant contributions to the Pirates' triumphant win. Jesse Gadd played a pivotal role, driving in two runs with a single to give the Pirates their first score of the game and a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 4-4. Andrew Tovar and Jackson Bennatar, who were timely substitutions by Coach George Vranau, immediately ignited the Pirates' offense with a double and a single, respectively, leading to key runs in the game's crucial seventh inning.
The game was filled with remarkable highlights and defining moments. The Pirates' comeback began in the sixth inning down 4-0 when Jovan Camacho singled and Quinn Landis walked. With two runners on base Jesse Gadd's single to right field sent Camacho in to score. In the next at-bat, Landis scored on a wild pitch, narrowing the gap to 4-2. The seventh inning saw Tovar's double and Bennatar's single, resulting in runs that tied the game. Aiden Melendrez, who came in as a relief pitcher in the seventh and eighth innings, demonstrated composure and efficient pitching. He shut down the Sliders' offense with back-to-back three-and-outs securing the team's win.
Walter Quinn started for the Pirates, recording four strikeouts over three innings while giving up two runs. Melendrez's outstanding relief pitching was instrumental in the Pirates' turnaround, effectively shutting out the opposing squad and giving the Pirates room to breathe.
The victory propels the Pirates to an impressive 6-1 record for the season. With a two-game winning streak, the team continues to show their ability to fight back even when down in late innings. Looking ahead, the Pirates will face the Biscuits on Wednesday, June 14th at 4 pm, again at Los Angeles Valley College. Fans can anticipate another captivating contest as the Pirates strive to maintain their winning habits.
The Ventura County Pirates have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the league, thanks to their offensive prowess, defensive excellence, and exceptional team chemistry. As the season progresses, the Pirates aim to build upon their success and make a deep run in pursuit of a winning season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Ventura County Pirates' journey and follow their progress throughout the season by watching gameday broadcasts on Youtube or following us on social media - Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
Comments