Baseball Blows Past Ventura for Third Straight Win

A strong outing from sophomore starter Hayden Coon set the tone for the Riverside City College baseball team as they hosted the Ventura College Pirates in non-conference action. He tossed seven strong behind another monster offensive showing leading to a 7-1 triumph.

Coon was effective from the get go by retiring the first eight batters he faced until he gave up a walk to the nine-hole hitter. He finished his third frame by forcing a lineout to freshman left fielder Derek Hurtado. In his first three innings, he recorded two strikeouts.

The Tigers came out swinging by plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Hurtado led the inning off with a walk and promptly swiped second base. He advanced to third on a passed ball and then came around to score on a double from sophomore right fielder Matthew Bardowell. Sophomore designated player Jordan Ruiz drove in the second run of the inning by singling to left field, plating Bardowell, handing the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

The bats stayed hot for Riverside in the following frame as sophomore center fielder Casey Murray Jr. got in on the RBI action. He punched a two-out, RBI single through the right-side allowing freshman catcher Anthony Gibbons to cross home.

After not scoring the next two innings, the Tigers gassed up the offensive trailer once again in the fifth and sixth innings. Bardowell led off the fifth inning with his second double of the game to spark the rally. Freshman first baseman Bryce Cermenelli advanced him over to third base on a ground out to second base, while Ruiz punched a ground ball to shortstop to plate Bardowell.

Hurtado stepped up and singled to right field in the following frame, scoring freshman third baseman Jerrad Gonzalez who reached on a single to left. Gibbons scored for the second time in the inning after Murray Jr. grounded into a double play, handing the Tigers a 6-0 advantage.

Gibbons pushed home another run in the bottom of the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly to plate freshman shortstop Robert Phelps. He reached via walk to start the inning.

Sophomore reliever Albert Roblez took over in the top of the eighth inning and fanned the first two batters he faced. He ended his inning with a pop out to Gonzalez. His ninth inning was equally as strong by retiring the side in order ending with his third strikeout.

Bardowell continued his tear at the dish by going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, two runs scored and an RBI. He is 10-for-16 in his last four games with four knocks going for extra bases.

"I am just trying to see the ball well," said Bardowell. "My teammates did a great job sharing information about the pitcher and I think that helped contribute to my success."

Coon (2-2) had another strong outing going seven strong while allowing just one run on three this. He carted a no hitter into the top of the fourth inning.

"Coon is the definition of a bulldog," explained Bardowell. "He came out sick today and he probably pitched one of his better games. Having a starter like that helps you set the tone and helps they guys get going and stay locked in."

Riverside is currently riding a three-game wining streak leading into the final two weeks of non-conference play. THey will close out early non-conference action with Ventura, LA Mission, Southwestern and Grossmont. 

"Energy and momentum are huge. If we can get those going in our favor it helps speed the game up for the other team. For the young guys to understand, it's all about winning series. You don't need to win every game, but it is important to take the series."

Hurtado went 2-for-3 with an RBI, run scored and stolen base, while Gonzalez clocked in a 3-for-4 clip at the dish.