IRVINE, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide leaned on a strong pitching performance Sunday evening, defeating the Philippines Baseball Group 6-1 at Great Park.
Right-handed pitcher Andrew Harbour made his fourth start of the season, allowing one run in three innings while striking out one. An Erick Espinoza single in the third marked the first earned run Harbour has surrendered in 11.0 innings this season.
After Harbour’s strong start, the bullpen took over and tossed six scoreless innings while recording seven strikeouts.
After falling behind 1-0, Orange County responded with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-out RBI triple from right fielder Zach Woodson and an RBI single by second baseman Dennis Fitzpatrick.
Montgomery continues to give opposing pitchers fits, driving in runs in five of his last six games.
“Just getting comfortable, getting at bats under your belt,” Montgomery said. “I think that’s all it is, just get more comfortable in the box.”
Timely hitting proved to be key in the victory, as the Riptide went 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position while the Philippines Baseball Group managed just one hit in 10 opportunities (.100).
The five-run win marked an emphatic response to Orange County’s 13-2 defeat against the Conejo Oaks on Saturday afternoon.
“It feels great, one loss doesn’t make who we are,” Woodson said, “It’s always great to bounce back and get the win.”
Orange County improved to 14-7 on the season and moved to within 3.5 games of first place in the south division behind the Santa Barbara Foresters.
In 21 games this season, Orange County ranks fourth in ERA (3.24) and WHIP (1.31) in the California Collegiate League.
The Riptide return to action Tuesday night as they welcome the San Diego Waves to Great Park.
First pitch is set for 7 p.m.
