Title Chances Slip From Owls' Talons

With what was the blossoming opportunity to take at least a share of the WSC East conference title, the Citrus Owls fell short yesterday in the first of 3 games versus Glendale this week. A win would have been the first step in closing the gap on Glendale and Canyons, the #1 and #2 in conference, respectively. But the loss all but cements the Owls in the #3 spot.

Citrus went into the Glendale game Tuesday having beaten Barstow in 3 straight, capping off the season series with a 3-1 record. Although the Owls offense has been solid all season, the 3 early runs scored against Glendale were just not enough, as the Vaqueros notched 11 hits and 6 runs en route to the win. 

The score had been tied 3-3 after a Teppei Fukuda double and a Donovyn Curiel homer put the Owls on the board, only to be answered back by a 3 run Vaquero 5th inning. But the Owls would go into offensive hibernation, notching just 2 hits after the 4th inning. Glendale would continue its offensive production, including a 3 run rally in the 7th that put the Vaqueros up 6-3 for good. 

Although the loss locks Citrus out of the top spot in conference, there is still an opportunity to make the playoffs. The Owls would certainly need to win the last 2 games against Glendale to have a shot though. 

Citrus falls to 0-2 in the Glendale season series, 11-7 in conference and 22-16 overall. The Owls have 2 more Glendale games this week: at Glendale Thursday, and at Citrus on Friday. Friday's game is at 2:30.