IRVINE, Calif. – The OC Riptide finally hit their stride riding four double plays and a late-game explosion to blow past the San Diego Waves in a commanding 12-1 all-around win.
Johnathon Van Ness gave the ‘Tide just what they needed in his three innings of opening work in which he allowed four hits and just one run. Despite allowing the first two batters to reach base in both the top of the first and second, Van Ness benefited from stellar defense that turned four double plays on the night.
The Tide’s offense rolled, led by Bradley Navarro, who reached base safely in four of his six plate appearances. In a night of firsts, Navarro also delivered the team’s first home run of the season. The Riptide tagged seven Waves pitchers for 12 runs on 10 hits and never took their foot off the gas from start to finish.
“The at-bats today were just a lot better than previous games,” said Navarro, reflecting on what he hopes to carry into Tuesday’s contest.
The Riptide scored their first run in the bottom of the 2nd inning after Luke Johnson put himself into scoring position and Justin Tillar brought him home on a sacrifice fly to left field. The Waves would answer back in the top of the 3rd with a tying run but would be held at one the duration of the night by the ‘Tides pitching staff.
Michael Erspamer opened the relief effort, recording five of the Riptide’s 11 strikeouts over 3.2 innings of work. Other notable performances included Nathan Helman, who threw a clean top of the eighth, and Dylan Nieto, who added another strikeout to the tally.
With their first off day tomorrow after four straight games Coach Evans mentioned that they are, “still trying to get into the swing of things” and hopes they can, “keep the momentum coming back on Tuesday.”
The Riptide will look to keep the ball rolling on Tuesday at 6pm when they face a familiar foe, the San Diego Bombers.
