Irvine, Calif— The Orange County Riptide flexed its muscles by recording five extra base hits in route to a 9-4 victory over the Academy Barons Wednesday.
The win brought the Riptide’s overall record to 5-1 and their California Collegiate League record to 4-0, which is their best league play start in the history of the franchise.
(Photo credit: Sarah Cisneros)
The slugfest for the Riptide began when Cary Arbolida (Houston) crushed a solo shot to left field to give the Riptide a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Arbolida has arguably been the Riptide’s best hitter to start the season, raising his average to .364 on Wednesday.
On the mound, Josh Randall (Arizona) and Nick Wallerstedt (Long Beach State) each showcased their own power by blowing by the Barons’ lineup.
Randall started for the Riptide and went three scoreless innings, racking up five strikeouts. Wallerstedt came on in relief and continued what Randall started by pitching 1.2 innings with three strikeouts.
The Riptide extended their lead to 4-0 but the Barons stormed back late in the game, tying it in the top of the 7th.
Just like they’ve been doing all season, the Riptide answered back in the bottom of the 7th when catcher Blake Penso (UC Irvine) drove in Arbolida and Nolan Funke (New Mexico State) on a RBI double to take a 6-4 lead.
Blake Penso (@blake_penso) (@FresnoStateBSB) smashes a 2 RBI STAND🆙 DOUBLE to put the Riptide on top💣🙌🏼#OCRiptideBaseball #OCRiptideFamily pic.twitter.com/5Rd3nR8wzW
— OC Riptide Baseball (@ocriptide) June 15, 2023
Penso went 3-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored in his first game with the Riptide. Penso is one of the few returning players from last year’s team and provided a major spark in the Riptide’s win.
“I couldn’t wait to get back on this field,” Penso said. “The guys are gelling together with a great coaching staff and I’m excited to get things going.”
The Riptide added four three more runs in the inning, with one of them coming off of a Colby Canales (Creighton) double. Canales also finished with two doubles in the game. Funke and Isaiah Morales (Saddleback) each finished with two hits as well.
The Riptide will look to extend their winning streak to six games on Friday as they’ll host the San Luis Obispo Blues at 7 p.m.
Academy Barons vs. OC Riptide – Box Score