Santa Barbara, Calif.-  The Orange County Riptide fell to the Santa Barbara Foresters 7-6 Saturday night. The Foresters are defending champions who won the California Collegiate League in 2021. The Riptide were ahead by one (6-5) until the top of the ninth when Forester outfielder hit a ball to center field bringing two guys in for a total score of 7-6 Foresters.

The Riptides started out strong with a run in the first inning when catcher Jordan Dissin (UCSD)  hit the ball into left field allowing second baseman Shane Taylor (UT) to advance to home. Things started to heat up for the Foresters at the bottom of the third inning when they scored two runs which put them in the lead. The Riptide were not far behind them when Blake Penso (UCLB) and Wilson Galvan (UTA) sprung through home at the top of the fifth ending the inning tied 4-4.

Center fielder Nate Manning (Cal) had a clutch catch at the bottom of the sixth protecting the Riptide from a run. The Riptide’s defense was top tier Saturday night fighting to keep their winning streak alive.

The Riptide were able to keep up with the Foresters until the bottom of the ninth when Forester Paterick Caulfield stole second base allowing him to get into scoring position. The Foresters had a 2 out rally and were able to secure the win with both Paterick Caulfield and Ty Hodge got past Riptide defense. The Foresters were able to get a one run lead leaving the game at a final of 7-6. Riptide Head Coach Tim Brown stated “theres some challenges here, it’s our first away game… I know we can beat this team.”

The Riptide will face the Santa Barbara Foresters at home Sunday at 4:35pm for a rematch.