Compton, Calif. – After getting of to a franchise-best 8-2 start, the Orange County Riptide lost on the road to the MLB Academy Barons on Sunday night. A failed double play and an error resulted in four Barons runs in the bottom of the second inning, proving to be the difference.
The Riptide started out strong with three runs in the top of the first inning, but the lead did not last long.
The Barons quickly scored their first run shortly into the bottom of the first.
The chaotic second inning turned the tide of the game..
Multiple walks and a failed double play left the bases loaded, followed by a Riptide error which allowed two runs for the Barons. Shortly after the Barons followed the error with a double, bringing in another run. MLB Academy finished off the inning with a sacrifice fly, sending a fourth Baron home.
A diving catch by Riptide first baseman, Jarett Sabol, ended the rally but the damage was done.
“We didn’t take care of the baseball on defense today.” Riptide Head Coach Bryan Evans explained, “There was a couple plays in the second inning that could make this place a different ball game, all those little things add up throughout the game”
Down 5-3, the Riptide attempted a late-game comeback in the top of the ninth, Cooper Clouser’s RBI brought Reid Montgomery home – but even with multiple Riptide players in scoring positions following, no one could secure a run.
Despite Orange County outhitting the Barons 10-7, the riptide didn’t capitalize when they needed to,.
OCR will have a chance to avenge their loss when they face the Academy Barons again Tuesday evening, but this time, on their own field, at the Great Park.
”I told them to take a break tonight, rest up tomorrow, and come out on Tuesday ready to go,” Coach Evans said, “We should give them a good fight and it’s gonna be a good competition.”
First pitch set for 7:00 p.m.
