Riverside Prevails in Offensive War against Cypress

In a game that featured a total of 23 runs and 21 hits, Riverside's offense proved more dangerous than the Cypress College Chargers in an Orange Empire Conference (OEC) showdown in game one of the final three-game conference series of the season leading to a 13-10 triumph.

Sophomore designated hitter Steve Ramirez carted the deadliest bat after going 4-for-5 with a trio of doubles and six RBI. All four of his hits sent a Tiger across the dish as he struck in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings.

His first RBI-knock followed a two-RBI triple from sophomore first baseman Andrew Talkington with a two-out double to knot the game up at three-all. After the Tigers surrendered the lead once again, Ramirez barreled his second-consecutive game-tying hit with a seed down the left field line, scoring freshman catcher Angel Mendoza and sophomore right fielder Ulises Caballero to bring the score to five all. He gave the Tigers a one-run lead the following inning with an RBI double to right center, plating Talkington.

After Riverside grabbed an 8-5 lead, Ramirez struck for the final time with yet another two-RBI base hit to center field in the bottom of the sixth inning, sending home Talkington and Caballero.

Riverside carted a 13-5 lead entering into the seventh inning, but Cypress plated five unanswered runs in the top of the eighth inning to make it interesting. Nevertheless, sophomore closer Lawrence Castaneda entered into pitch in the top of the ninth inning and retired the side with ease, thus handing Riverside a 13-10 win.

Sophomore starter Brandon Ross earned his fourth win of the season after tossing six innings and allowing five runs off four hits. Despite being smacked around in the early stages, he settled down to blank the Chargers in the latter four frames of his outing leading to five punch outs.

Talkington went 2-for-4 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored, while freshman third baseman Matthew Ivancich recorded two hits.

Riverside (29-9, 14-5 OEC) will hit the road for game two against Cypress on Thursday, April 25 at 2 p.m.