IRVINE, Calif – The Orange County Riptide picked up their 15th win of the season on Tuesday night after edging out the San Diego Waves, 3-2, at the Great Park.
It was a pitching duel early, as Riptide starting pitcher Tommy McGuire kept the Waves off the scoreboard through the first three frames. McGuire struck out four and walked one.
Meanwhile, Waves’ starting pitcher Brandon Bollerer held the Riptide offense at bay with four straight scoreless innings of his own.
The Waves broke the scoreless drought in the fifth inning. With two on and one out, designated hitter Theo Kim skied a ball to center. Riptide centerfielder Trajan Rogowski lost the ball in the stadium lights – allowing it to drop in front of him and the Waves to score.
San Diego added another run shortly after with a sacrifice fly to center.
The Riptide responded immediately in the bottom of the fifth. Slater Nunez walked to leadoff the inning, then advanced to second on a balk. Shortly thereafter, Nunez stole third, forcing an errant throw that allowed him to advance home.
Rogowski then reached second on an error and stole third – setting the table for newcomer Brock Foulds, who singled to left to tie the game at two.
The score remained tied until the eighth inning. Conner Barth singled and continued to second on a passed ball, then reached third after Cooper Clouser grounded out. Nunez followed with an RBI single that drove in Barth, giving the Riptide the lead.
“Just staying in my zone,” Nunez said of his approach. “Not trying to do too much, just put the ball in play.”
Riptide pitcher Dillon Orr, who was just named a CCL Showcase Selection, pitched three scoreless innings to close out the game for the Riptide. Orr picked up five strikeouts and held the Waves hitless.
The Riptide will return to Great Park Wednesday night for another matchup with the Philippines Baseball Group.
First pitch is set for 7 p.m.
