Owls Get First Win Against Ventura

Glendora, CA - The Citrus College Baseball team finally earned their first win after a few heartbreakers on Thursday afternoon. The Owls held off an upstart and talented Ventura College squad with a 8-5 win.

 The Owls jumped all over the Pirates in the opening frame, and did so thanks to a bout of wildness from the Pirate starter. Freshman Andre Flores literally drew the game's opening RBI with a bases loaded walk. Freshman Jesse Villalobos would score shortly thereafter on a passed ball, and freshman Benjamin Aguilera would clear the bases with a 2-RBI double to left field to stake Citrus to a 4-0 lead.

Ventura would get two runs back in the top of the fourth off of sophomore starter Aaron Bernal (1-0) via a home run, but the Owls did it again in the bottom half of the inning. Villalobos would reach via a fielder's choice, but would score sophomore catcher Jordan Achay in the process. Flores would then clear the bases with a 3-RBI double to center field, pushing Citrus' lead to six runs at 8-2. 

The Pirates would try to claw their way back into the contest, but Citrus' two big innings would stand a pair of scores in the fifth and one more in the sixth. Bernal would finish the game having pitched the first 5.2 innings, scattering 10 hits and one walk, while managing to strike out five Ventura batters. Sophomore Roberto Baldanebro would earn the save after getting the final out of the game, with Ventura threatening to tie the game with runners on first and second and the tying run at the plate. 

At the plate, sophomore Kyosuke Ushimaru would be the only Owl with more than one hit, going 2 for 4 with a run scored. Flores would finish 1 for 3, but would drive in four runs. 

With the win, Citrus moves to 1-3-1 on the year. The Owls will be at home for game three of their current home stand when they host Mt. San Jacinto College on Saturday at 1:00 PM. ​