Tigers Take Game Two against Santa Ana

The Riverside City College baseball team looked to overcome recent its hiccups on Wednesday night after dropping three of its last for games. The Tigers hosted the Santa Ana College Dons in game two of a three-game conference series. Despite the adjusted play date and struggles, Riverside regained formidable form on all fronts leading to a 9-5 victory.

The first two innings did not look promising for the Tigers as they surrendered four runs to a scorching hot Dons lineup. Sophomore southpaw Drew D'Ambra was bounced midway through the second inning and freshman right hander Cruz Barrios took over. From then on, things began to look up.

Barrios, who has been a go-to weapon out of the bullpen, immediately stopped the bleeding by blanking the Dons for the following five frames. Throughout his start, he allowed a measly three hits leading to a season-high five punch outs. He capped his outing by retiring five of the last six batters capped by striking out the final hitter he faced.

In the midst of a masterful showing from Barrios, the Tigers exploded for nine runs on 13 hits. The Dons' atrocious defense assisted as they committed seven errors.

Sophomore third baseman Matthew Ivancich was the offensive juggernaut by going 3-for-5 with a crucial two-RBI triple coming in the bottom of the fifth to give the Tigers the lead. He finshed with three RBI.

Freshman designated hitter Alphonzo Mancinas recorded one of his stronger days at the dish by going 3-for-4 with a double, walk, two runs scored and an RBI. He touched home as the tying run on Ivancich's three bagger. All but one starter recorded a hit as well.  Sophomore center fielder Dylan Morace pushed his hitting streak to four games to highlight the top half of the order.

The lefties finished the game with sophomore Matthew Henry and freshman Ryan Hernandez each tossing the eighth and ninth inning, respectively, to aid the victory.

Barrios (1-0) earned his first win of the season after pitching 5.2 innings and fanning five batters.

Riverside (16-6, 2-3 OEC) will continue action on Saturday, March 14 on the road against the Dons (18-4, 3-2 OEC). First pitch is set for 12 p.m.