Ventura County Erases four-Run Deficit Against California Bucs

The Ventura County Bucs of the Golden Coast Collegiate League clawed back from a 4-0 deficit to earn a 7-7 draw against the California Bucs Thursday at Conejo Ballpark in Thousand Oaks.

Ventura scored four runs in the final three innings to complete the comeback. Outfielder Ian McIntyre capped the late-inning surge with a game-tying two-run single in the top of the ninth to add to his double earlier in the game. He also made a run-saving catch on the move against the left field wall in the bottom half of the ninth.

“It was fun to be with a new group of guys on a sunny day just having fun playing baseball,” McIntyre said.

Designated Hitter Gedeon Ellis, a returning player to Ventura County this season, also made an impact, leading the team with 3 RBI in the game.

“It felt great,” Ellis said. “I really want to impress my coaches and I want everyone to be excited that I’m on the team.”

On the mound, the Ventura Bucs faltered early, but the back half of the bullpen provided needed stability, allowing just 1 run in the final four innings.

“There’s a case where it’s about throwing smarter not harder and adjusting to the mound.” Ventura County head coach Spiro Psaltis said. “The last guys basically did that where the other guys were still finding their way.”

Psaltis said he will focus his coaching on the pitchers prior to tomorrow’s double-header against the Bucs. Game 1 is scheduled for 10:00am.