IRVINE, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide conceded their third straight loss against the Philippines losing 7-8 in Saturday night’s home game.
In the first inning, the Riptide ambushed the Philippines with a flurry of singles by Jake Evans, Riley Hunsaker, and Justin Heffler. These singles, combined with two past balls, lead the Riptide to score three runs in the bottom of the first inning.
In the bottom half of the third inning, the Riptide were able to string together a single from Heffler and a double from Salmon to extend their lead to four. Ahead of the fourth inning, Alex Ramos was lights out on the mound, only allowing one runner on base. That was until he gave up four consecutive hits to allow the Philippines to score three runs and trail by one. The Riptide were able to respond with two runs, and take a 6-3 lead, thanks to a two run single hit by Mitchell Birdsall.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Philippines were able to score a run courtesy of a triple and a sacrifice fly out, making the game 6-4. Yet again, the Riptide were able to answer back after a walk committed by Hunsaker and three past balls, making the score 7-4. Noah Smith’s strong outing with six strikeouts would come to an end after the sixth inning.
To begin the seventh inning, Aaron Ceniceros would load the bases with a walk and two hit by pitches. All three base runners would come in to score as a result of two singles from the Philippines to tie the game at seven.
In the top of the ninth, the Philippines were able to piece together three straight hits and a run to take a 8-7 lead. The Riptide were unfortunately unable to respond in the bottom of the ninth despite leaving two runners on base.
When asked about what positives will be transferred over to the next game, Coach Evans responded with the following, “I think our hitters did very well today. I think we took better approaches at the plate and we stuck to him a little better, so it’s good to see the bats coming around a little bit.”
The Riptide look to secure their first win Sunday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in a home game against the San Diego Waves.
