Fairbanks, AK – The Orange County Riptide came out of the gate hot in the second game of a three game series with the Alasaka Goldpanners but were unable to keep the lead and eventually lost 12-10 on Friday.

The Riptide scored four runs in the top of the first courtesy of a grand slam from catcher, Seth Beckstead (Tulane). The Riptide secured their base runners with a lead-off walk from Spencer Serven (Texas Rio Grande Valley), and Cole Robinson (Missouri State) and Cody Dreis (Washington State) both were hit by pitches.

The Goldpanners would answer back with a four-run inning of their own against Riptide starter, Matthew Magre (Arkansas). Magre gave up just one hit in his one inning of work, but the Goldpanners would still find a way to tie the ball game.

Edarian Williams

Edarian Williams, pictured here vs. the SD Waves, drove in two runs with a single to left field in the 2nd inning vs. the Alaska Goldpanners.

The Riptide would regain the lead in the second inning thanks to a 2-run single from Edarian Williams (UNLV), but it was all Goldpanners from there on out. Throughout the game, the Riptide would apply pressure on the bases and look to close the gap in the 12-6 score in favor of the Goldpanners, but came up short.

Pitching on both sides struggled early on, before settling in the later innings. 

Andrew Pogue (Illinois) entered the game in the seventh inning for the Riptide and was lights out, keeping the Goldpanners scoreless. The Riptide defense put up another zero in the eighth.

The Riptide were held scoreless after the second inning until starting a rally in the ninth with a two-run double from Dreis, making the score 12-8 with one out in the inning. 

The Riptide would go on to score two more, but the late rally was not enough in Friday’s game. Not to be overlooked, Beckstead played a pivotal role in the Riptide’s offense, reaching base in every plate appearance.

The Riptide look to bounce back in the final game of the series Saturday at 8:00 PM (PST).

OC Riptide vs. Alaska Goldpanners June 11, 2021 – Box Score