Chargers Open Conference Play With a Victory

Costa Mesa, CA - The Chargers are now 1-0 in conference play after defeating the Orange Coast Pirates in 13 innings, 2-1.

It was a pitchers battle as Cypress starting pitcher Steven Kane pitched 9 innings allowing 2 hits and throwing 2 strikeouts, while OCC pitcher David Hill pitched 10 innings allowing 6 hits and throwing 9 strikeouts. Matt Esparza relieved Kane in the 10th with the scored tied and is credited with the win after throwing 9 strikeouts and allowing 3 hits. 

The Chargers scored first in the top of the 2nd inning after Joe Duffin hit a solo home run over the left field wall. The lead remained at 1-0 Cypress until the bottom of the 8th when OCC managed to drive in a run with no outs to tie the score at 1-1.

The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 until the top of the 13th inning when Kramer Ferrell hit an RBI double to right field, which scored Trevor Meleski, to put the Chargres up, 2-1.

Esparza struck out the first OCC batter in the bottom of the 13th and then the Chargers got out the following two batters through excellent fielding to close out the game to take their first win in OEC play. 

The Chargers are now 10-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Their next game against Irvine Valley on Saturday (3/1) has been postponed because of rain. They wil next play at home against Riverside on Tuesday (3/4) at 2pm.