IRVINE, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide improved their record to 4-3 after winning 12-1 against the Philippines on Thursday night at The Great Park in Irvine.
The Riptide were able to take an early lead in the bottom of the first. A leadoff single from Luke Johnson, followed by a wild pitch and stolen base, allowed him to advance into scoring position. Justin Tillar then hit a ground ball to the shortstop that enabled Johnson to score. The Riptide were able to score their second run of the inning courtesy of an RBI triple by Carter Danz.
To begin the third inning, the Philippines were able to score their first run of the game with a double and a throwing error from McGuire. The Riptide were able to respond with two runs of their own. After a HBP from Johnson, and an error from the left fielder, Brady Petit hit into a fielder’s choice to bring in the first run of the inning. Shortly after, a passed ball allowed Tillar to score from third.
The Riptide were able to keep their foot on the gas, scoring six more runs in the next two innings. Hits from Rosales, Burdick, and Petit allowed the Riptide to score three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. In the bottom of the fifth, two walks combined with a single from Zakhar and a double from Johnson, the Riptide were able to tack on three more runs, making the game 10-1 after five innings.
To seal the game, the Riptide added two more runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. After a walk from Ryder Young and a single from Grant Macarthur, Tyler Holland hit a double to the left center gap, making the game 12-1.
Along with this, the Riptide pitching did not go unnoticed today. McGuire, Helman, and Telfer were able to combine for 14 strikeouts, six hits, and only one run scored.
When asked about what factors have helped this team win recently, Coach Evans responded with the following, “I think these guys are playing loose, a lot looser than the first couple games. I mean, we got a lot of talent on this team, but I think the culture and the atmosphere in the dugout is helping a lot.”
The Riptide look to extend their win streak to five tomorrow against Arroyo Seco in their first road game of the season.
