Cypress, CA – The Cypress College baseball team (0-1) took a tough loss in their season opener against Ventura College (2-2) as a two-run rally in the seventh inning propelled the Pirates to a 4-3 victory.
Chargers Sophomore Elijah Skipps was 2-for-3 with a run while Nick Reeser went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run, but the team needed more offensive contributions from the rest of the lineup. Starting pitcher Henry Martinez struck out seven batters but surrendered two runs in 4.2 innings while Joseph Mercado took the loss during two innings of relief, surrendering one run. Ventura's Ray Lambert was exploited for three runs in the third inning, but had a strong performance regardless with six strikeouts.
The Chargers hopped on the board at the bottom of the third inning when Willie Aguilar belted a double to center field following Elijah Skipp's triple to bring in the first run. After stealing third on a wild pitch, Aguilar was brought home by Nick Reeser with a double to center field to give the Chargers a 2-0 lead. Cypress capped off their rally when Nathan Rodriguez brought Reeser home with a hard-hit single to left field.
Ventura struck back at the top of the fifth with a runner on second, when Henry Martinez's throwing error off Bryson Wallet's bunt attempt brought the runner home. Wallet advanced to second on a wild pitch and Blake Diaz hit an RBI single to bring the Pirates within one.
Later in the top of the seventh, Ventura struck again with runners on second and third. With relief pitcher Tripp Aversa on the mound, Addison Pelupessy smacked a hard-hit grounder to short. During the play, shortstop Paul Gomez made a throwing error to first which brought both runners home to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead.
The Chargers will look to avenge their loss tomorrow afternoon at home as they host Ventura again at 12 PM.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
