Compton, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide lost their four game winning streak after falling 7-3 to the MLB Academy Barons. The Riptide’s record now stands at 12-7 overall and 5-5 in the CCL.

The Riptide jumped out to an early lead by scoring one run in the top of the first inning. Seth Beckstead (Tulane) walked to reach base and advanced to second after Reed Spenrath’s (TCU) walk. Beckstead came around to score courtesy of the single hit by Efrain Cervantes (Nebraska).

In the top of the fourth inning, Tyler Griggs (Central Arizona) walked on his trip to the plate and began his attack on the base path. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Griggs stole third and eventually scored on another wild pitch to the backstop.

Shawn Hepler (Xavier) started on the mound today for the Riptide. Through three innings of pitching he only allowed one run to score and struck out three Barons at the plate. Nikelle Galatas (Jackson State) stepped in to throw for Hepler in the bottom of the fourth.

Galatas gave up a homerun in the fourth that scored three Barons, increasing their lead to 5-2. Charez Butcher (Tennessee) subbed in to pitch the fifth inning and earned the Barons a run with a balk to third base.

Dwight Allen (Georgia) reached first base off a walk to get the sixth inning started.  Davis Diaz (Vanderbilt) advanced Allen to second after being hit by a pitch. Terrence Simmons (UConn) made the bases loaded after his at bat resulted in getting hit by a bit pitch.

Reed Spenrath (TCU) gets into position to play lockdown defense at first base

Beckstead followed these plate appearances with another walk that scored Allen from third. Unfortunately, the Riptide offense ended the side with bases loaded.

Cade Connolly (Santa Clara) pitched to start the bottom of the seventh. He only allowed one baron to score off two hits while collecting three strikeouts to retire the side. Going into the top of the eighth inning, the Riptide trailed the Barons 6-3.

Josiah Castillo (Pepperdine) closed on the mound tonight. After walking the first batter of the eighth inning, Castillo struck out three consecutive batters as one run scored off a wild pitch. The offense struggled to get rolling in the ninth inning which led to a final score of 7-3.

The Riptide have a few days off to celebrate the Fourth of July before their next appearance at OC Great Park at 6:00 P.M. (PDT) on July 6 against the Arroyo Seco Saints.

OC Riptide vs. MLB Academy Barons July 3, 2021 – Box Score