Citrus Men Handle Business Against Victor Valley, Look to Finish Series Sweep Tomorrow

Citrus Baseball hosted WSC East Conference foe Victor Valley yesterday, hanging on to win a closely contested game, 6-4. The Owls further solidified the number 2 spot in conference, and set themselves up to make a run for at least a share of the conference title with undefeated Glendale.

Citrus wasted no time scoring on the Rams as a 2 run homer by Catcher Teppei Fukuda capped off a 3 run inning, his 4th homer of the year. The game turned into a pitcher's duel from that point until the 7th inning when both teams ignited. The Rams would go up 4-3 on the Owls in the top of the 7th, scoring 2 runs on a 4 hit clip. But the Owls answered with a 2 run rally of their own, regaining the lead 6-5. The Owl defense would hold Victor Valley scoreless in the 8th and 9th, adding a run in the bottom of the 8th on an Alexis Paz single that scored Jose Sanchez. 

Starting pitcher Benjamin Aguilera picked up the win from the mound, recording 8 strikeouts in the process and pitching 7 complete innings. Nicholas Ramirez picked up the pitching duties from there, holding the Rams scoreless and adding a save to his season stats. 

Owl slugger Alexis Paz nearly wore out his bat, going 4 for 4, including a triple, 2 runs and 2 RBI's. Paz improves his average to .383 on the season, and moves to #5 in the state (tied with teammate Thomas Chavez)in total hits with 51. 

Citrus will cap off the season series with Victor Valley tomorrow on the road. Game time is set for 1:00 PM in Victorville.