Citrus Opens Conference Action with Win
Citrus College struck first and had to hold on for a 5-4 victory over Antelope Valley College to open Western State Conference action.
The Owls improve to 8-10 on the year and begin the conference slate 1-0. The Marauders drop to 8-7 overall, 0-1 in conference.
Santiago Castro got things going offensively with an RBI single to right field to put the Owls up 1-0. AVC grabbed two quick outs, but a wild pitch sent Castro home before Citrus loaded up the bases. Robert Moreno then doubled to left, sending Robert Valdivia and Devon Diaz home to score, 4-0.
The Marauders took back a run in the fourth, but the Owls capitalized again in the bottom of the fifth. With bases loaded, Jared Gener came home on a fielder's choice for some added insurance, 5-1.
It came in handy as AVC scored three runs in the top of the sixth to pull within one, 5-4. Ryan Luiz Harney came in for the final inning and grabbed his second save of the year with three-straight strikeouts to close out the game.
The three-game series between the two teams continues Thursday at AVC at 2 p.m. before closing out at Citrus on Saturday at 1 p.m.