Tigers Complete Two-Game Sweep against Mt. SAC

The Riverside City College baseball team relied on a heavy dose of offense and strong pitching performances in a non-conference showdown against the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties on Wednesday afternoon. After the game was gridlocked at zero through the first three frames, the Tiger bats woke up and promptly plated eight runs in the following three frames leading to an 8-1 victory.

Sophomroe southpaw Garrett Irvin took to the mound for his second start of the season. Despite getting into a bit of trouble in the first inning, he was able to wiggle his way out of potential damage by forcing an inning ending double play. He went on to punch out four batters over the course of the next two innings – three of them looking.

Riverside fed off of the strong pitching and sent home five runs in the top of the fourth inning. Sophmore center fielder Junior Coleman kicked off the scoring outburst by punching a single to center field to plate freshman second baseman Alex Moreno. Sophomore left fielder Kase Warner mimicked Coleman with a single to center field, scoring freshman third baseman Mathew Ivancich. Coleman was the next base runner to cross the dish via passed ball. Sophomore right fielder Ulises Caballero capped the inning with an exclamation point by blasting a two-run homerun leading to a 5-0 advantage.

The Tigers went on to add three more runs in the top of the sixth inning due to an RBI single from sophomore left fielder Joseph Hodapp and a two-RBI double from freshman catcher Angel Mendoza.

After Irvin continued to dominate on the mound, he was relieved in the sixth inning by freshman Marques Johnson. He allowed just one run off two hits in one inning. Sophomore Alexander Salazar entered into the game and slammed the door shut by tossing three scoreless innings leading to an 8-1 victory.

Irvin was masterful on the mound by tossing five innings of scoreless ball and earning his second win of the season. He fanned six batters and allowed a just three hits. Salazar was equally as impressive after chucking three innings and striking out four while not allowing a base knock.

Caballero paced the Riverside offense by going 2-for-4 with a two-run homerun, two RBI and a run scored. Mendoza followed with two hits and two RBI, while Coleman score once and drove in one RBI.

Riverside (3-2) will continue action on Tuesday, February 5 at home to take on the the Grossmont College Griffins. Follow live stats at www.rccathletics.com.