Irvine, Calif— The Orange County Riptide secured a victory to kick off California Collegiate League play against the Arroyo Seco Saints thanks to a massive six-run 3rd inning. The explosive 3rd inning proved to be the difference in the 7-4 win for the Riptide.
“Overall, I was really pleased with how our pitching staff threw tonight,” head coach Connor Spencer said. “I’m happy we finally put up a crooked number on offense, but not so thrilled with no runs after that so that’s just something that we will improve on.”
Already up 1-0 heading into the bottom of the 3rd inning, the Riptide looked to add some insurance after Evan Vasiliou (Utah Tech) didn’t allow a hit through his first two innings.
6-Run 3rd
(Photo credit: Andrew Leal)
Owen Fuller (UNC Charlotte) kicked off the monster inning by doubling to left center field. Fuller acted as a second lead-off hitter for the Riptide by setting the table for the top of the Riptide lineup, finishing 2-for-4.
“Coach Spencer is a great coach and wherever he puts me in the lineup is where I’m supposed to be,” Fuller said. “I had a great hitter behind me in Grady Morgan and it worked out well.”
Grady Morgan (Fresno State) followed up Fuller’s knock with a single of his own. Nick Upstill (Pepperdine) drove in Fuller to add an insurance run. Grant MacArthur (San Joaquin Delta College) broke the game open with a two-run single to make it a 4-0 Riptide lead.
The Riptide continued to score in bottom of the 3rd after a MacArthur base hit. After Ayden Garcia (Golden West College) walked with the bases loaded to bring home a run, the Riptide batted around, bringing Fuller back to the plate for his second at-bat of the inning. Fuller promptly ripped a base hit to drive in two more Riptide runs, taking a 7-0 lead.
Arroyo Seco attempted to come back later in the game, but their efforts fell short as the Riptide closed out the game with a 7-4 victory.
Upcoming
The Riptide travels to Pasadena to face Arroyo Seco on Saturday at 6 p.m. with plans to sweep the 2-game, home-away opening series against the Saints.
Arroyo Seco Saints vs. Orange County Riptide – Box Score