Smith Singles Twice and Scores Twice in Riverside's 5-3 Home Win over Santa Barbara City

RIVERSIDE -- Sean Smith singled twice and scored twice, including the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh as the Riverside City College (RCC) Tigers baseball team edged the visiting Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Vaqueros, 5-3, in a non-conference game Wednesday afternoon (Mar. 23) at the Evans Sports Complex.

Smith, a sophomore CF from Highland (Redlands HS '13), laid down a bunt single down the third base line which advanced Tommie Pincin to third base, who had doubled to right field. An errant throw from third base enabled Smith -- who is pictured -- to reach third where he scored an unearned run on a sacrifice fly by freshman 1B John Gonzalez (Corona / Corona HS '15). Gonzalez ended the game with a sensational over-the-shoulder catch of a pop fly in short right field.

With the win, Riverside City improved to 12-8 overall. Sophomore RHP Andrew O'Brien (Corona / Corona HS '13), the third of five RCC pitchers, pitched a scoreless seventh inning and allowed one hit and one walk to gain credited for the win (3-1). Freshman RHP closer Cole Young (Corona / Norco HS '14 / USC) pitched 1-2/3 innings and gained his second save. SBCC middle reliever Austin Blessing received the loss (1-1).

On offense for SBCC (10-12 overall), sophomore 3B Chris Smutny (Fresno) went two for four with two runs scored and sophomore 1B Jake Gagain (Lithia, FL) singled and doubled in five at bats.

Riverside returns to action tomorrow, Thursday, Mar. 24, when it hosts the Taft College Cougars in a non-conference game beginning at 6 p.m.

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