Irvine, Calif. – The MLB Academy Barons struck first in the second on a triple and sacrifice fly off starter Matthew Maloney (New Mexico State). Maloney struggled somewhat with efficiency, with a similar pitch count to his last start and 1 fewer inning. However, he ultimately put up a solid outing, going 4 innings, giving up 1 run and 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 5, leaving him with a 1.00 ERA in his 2 starts this season.

The Riptide got on base with a few walks, but their aggressive baserunning style worked against them, going 1-4 in steal attempts in the span of 3 innings. They scored 1 run over the first 4 innings, as center fielder Santino Panaro (UNLV) doubled and ultimately scored on an error by the Barons’ third baseman. 

The top of the 5th ended with an incredible 9-3 double play, with a diving catch from Miller Ladusau (Abilene Christian).

Second baseman Brandon Burckel celebrates his 2 RBI single. Photo Credit: Sage Zipeto

In the bottom of the 5th, the Riptide loaded the bases on free passes, with Ladusau walking and both Dominic Souto (Cal) and Chase Valentine (Tennessee) hit by pitches. Second baseman Brandon Burckel (Houston) came through with a single, scoring both Ladusau and Valentine. The next hitter, Panaro, followed him up with his own RBI single, scoring Valentine. 

Maloney was relieved by Trevor Meisner (Utah Tech), who put up 2 scoreless innings. Carson Case (Nevada) followed him up with 2 innings and 1 earned run on a double, stolen base, and error by catcher Blake Penso (UCI). Thomas Di Landri (San Jacinto College), closed, walking the first batter before striking out the second and third. The final out came on a groundout to second baseman Burckel. 

The Riptide visit the Conejo Oaks at Sparky Robinson Field tomorrow at 4:30 pm.

OC Riptide vs. MLB Academy BaronsBox Score