IRVINE, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide have defeated the Philippines Baseball Club 4-3 with a walk-off single in Saturday night’s home game.
The Riptide were able to strike first in the bottom of the second inning. Carter Danz (Northwestern U) led off the inning with a walk to first base. After an error by the shortstop, and a hit by pitch from Jimmy Zakhar (Transfer Portal), a passed ball allowed Danz to score from third and give the Riptide a 1-0 lead. In the top of the third, the Philippines were able to answer back with a run of their own with an RBI single to center field to tie the game at one.
The Philippines were able to extend their lead, scoring one run in both the fifth and sixth innings, extending their lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the sixth, the Riptide were able to score a run after Luke Johnson (Cornel U) walked, stole second, and advanced his way home after a passed ball.
Reid Montgomery after an RBI single to win the game
(Photo Courtesy of Joey Gray)
The Riptide pitching was able to shutout the Philippines after the sixth inning. Casey Euper (Pepperdine U) and Danny Suarez (UC Irvine) both shined in their outings and were a big reason why the Riptide came out on top. Euper tossed 5.1 innings, allowed four hits, and struck out nine. Suarez threw a total of 1.2 innings, zero hits, and five strikeouts. When asked about the success of Euper and Suarez tonight, Coach Evans responded with the following, “Both of them have a big loopy curveball and they were landing for strikes, it seemed to be working throughout the game and keeping batters off balance.”
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Danz was able to double down the left field line to get the rally started. Johnson was then able to single to right field to bring Danz home to tie the game at 3. The Riptide were then able to load the bases after two walks but ultimately diminished any chances of scoring after two strikeouts.
The Riptide pitching staff was able to go 1-2-3 in both the top of the ninth and tenth inning. To start the bottom half of the tenth, Johnson started at second base due to the extra innings rule. With a full count, Reid Montgomery (Cal State Long Beach) smoked a single into left field to score Johnson and win the game for the Riptide.
The Riptide travel to Compton tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. to take on the MLB Academy Barons to hopefully establish a win streak.
