Baseball Bangs Out Eight Runs Against East LA, Snaps Two Game Skid

After scoring a mere three runs in two completed games prior to tonight's contest, the Riverside City College baseball team was due for an offensive outburst. Behind strong pitching and an explosive offense, the Tigers set themselves to cruise control leading to an 8-1 victory over the Huskies.

Sophomore southpaw Drew D'Ambra was handed the pearl and responded by tossing an absolute gem. He relied on a dominant arsenal of pitches that were effectively located and powerfully placed. He kept the Huskies off balanced all night leading to 10 strikeouts and allowing four hits.

He struck out the side in the top of the second inning and retired nine in a row leading into his final frame. He capped his outing with a punch out and a ground out to sophomore second baseman Alex Moreno.

Offensively, the Tigers came out swinging as seen in a four-run second inning and a two-run third inning. They added another two-spot in the bottom of the sixth as insurance.

Freshman shortstop Gunner Antillion was in the middle of the action by recording RBI base knocks in the second and third innings. He began with an RBI bunt single, backed by a hard RBI single to right field.

Sophomore center fielder Dylan Morace had a strong outing at the plate and roaming center field. He began his night with a highlight reel diving play in left center in the top of the first inning. He followed the ensuing frame by barreling an RBI single through the right side, plating Antillion, to add to the four-run outburst.

Freshman left fielder Alphonzo Mancinas tacked on another RBI base knock in the sixth inning with a poke to right field, plating freshman first baseman Gabe Briones, aiding an 8-1 victory.

The Tiger pitching staff was lights out as they allowed a mere one run off four hits. D'Ambra (1-0) set the tone with 10 strikeouts and no walks in six innings, while freshman reliever Seth Spencer followed with two scoreless innings. He allowed just one hit and fanned two batters.

Antillion paced the Tigers on offense by going 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Morace, who made the start in the leadoff spot, followed with a 2-for-4 day with an RBI and two runs scored. Briones connected for two hits and scored one run as well.

Riverside (4-2) will return to action Saturday, February 8 to finish off a quick two game series with the Huskies. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.