Irvine, Calif. – The Orange County Riptide (10-11 CCL) kicked off a two-game series at home with a 2-1 victory over the San Luis Obispo Blues on Tuesday.

Starting pitcher Matthew Maloney (New Mexico State) dominated on the mound once again, proving to be a threat to any team that he faces. Over the course of five innings, Maloney punched out eight batters. He gave up two walks in the fourth inning, and a total of four hits.

Maloney has not allowed a run in 23 innings, dating back to June 14 against the MLB Academy Barons. He currently leads the CCL Southern Division with 47 strikeouts and a 0.30 ERA. With this win, Maloney stands 4-0 on the season.

#31 Zach Thomas fires a pitch to silence the Blues.
Photo by Sage Zipeto

Zach Thomas (Utah Tech) pitched in relief for Maloney, taking care of the game up until the ninth inning. The Blues lineup stole one hit from Thomas through three innings, and struck out four times. One unearned run did score in the top of the eighth off of the base hit allowed by Thomas, cutting their lead in half.

Trevor Meisner (Utah Tech) successfully closed the game for the Riptide in the ninth, earning his first save of the season. Meisner has been successful against the Blues this season, being one of the arms who combined for the first no-hitter in Riptide history against the Blues on June 29.

#26 Terrence (T.C.) Simmons celebrates with teammates after reaching home. Photo by Sage Zipeto

T.C. Simmons (UConn) returned to the lineup after taking a ball to the neck last week. Simmons went 2-for-4 in his return, reaching base on a single in his first at-bat of the game. Simmons was the first Riptide to reach home as a result of an error by the catcher for the Blues.

Catcher Nathan Smith (Tennessee) carried his success against the Barons on Sunday into Tuesday’s game. Smith was 4-for-5 on Sunday, and finished 2-for-3 against the Blues. He accounted for the final run scored by the Riptide.

This win improved their record against the Blues so far this summer to 3-1. The two clubs have three games remaining, including an overnight stay for the Riptide in San Luis Obispo on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30.

Before returning to Sinsheimer Park, the Blues and Riptide will return to the Great Park on Wednesday for a game set for 6:35 p.m. (Box Score)