Fourth Time Not the Charm

Monterey Park, CA - For the fourth time this season, the Citrus College Baseball team found themselves in an extra innings situation, and the fourth straight time it was because the Owls botched a 9th or 10th inning lead. The fourth time didn't end up being the charm however, as Citrus fell to 0-3-1 in those situations in a 3-2 loss to host East Los Angeles College. 

 Runs were hard to come by on Tuesday evening. East LA plated the first on an RBI single in the bottom of the third, but Citrus promptly tied it up in the top of the fourth when sophomore Jacob Gafford reached on an error that allowed sophomore Kyosuke Ushimaru to score.

The Owls would take the lead in the top of the seventh when freshman Kristian Scott laced a double that brought in freshman Donovyn Curiel. The lead would last until there was two outs in the bottom of the ninth when Citrus gave up an RBI single that tied the game up. Citrus' best chance to go back in front came in the top of the 11th when Scott hit a one out single, and Ushimaru drew a two out walk, the potential rally would end a few pitches later though when the next better was left looking in the batters box.

In the bottom of the 11th, Citrus would get two outs, but a double, a walk, and a hit by pitch loaded the bases up for the Huskies. The Huskies made good on the threat, walking off with an RBI single and sending the Owls to 5-7-1 on the year.

In the loss, Scott would finish 3 for 6, while freshman Benjamin Aguilera and sophomore Marcos Campos were each 2 for 6. Sophomore Roberto Baldanebro would work the majority of the innings going 5.2 innings on the mound, surrendering two walks, four hits, and one run, while striking out eight. Unfortunately that one run would be the game tying score in the bottom of the ninth.

The Owls will be back out on the field on Thursday when they host Moorpark College. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.