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Two big offensive innings weren’t enough for the Bucs (7-7-1, 3-7-1 Golden Coast Collegiate League) Saturday, as they suffered a series sweep after losing both games of a doubleheader, 9-6 and 9-4, to the California Hitmen (8-0, all GCCL) at LA Valley college.
“It was extremely disappointing, to say the least,” Bucs head coach Spiro Psaltis said.
Bucs center fielder Ian Nord provided the offensive production the Bucs have become accustomed to from him, but the rest of the offense largely fell flat. Nord went 4-7 during the two games, bringing his season batting average to a whopping .500.
“He just continues to, first of all, love the game of baseball, and he is a very smart player.” Psaltis said. He just continues to improve, I’m hoping that might become contagious for the other players.”
Ventura’s lack of production outside of Nord is partially explained by the fact that the Hitmen were the first undefeated team the Bucs have played since the opening series of the season.
“I do have to give some credit to this particular opponent, because they don’t give up the big inning, and they really don’t hurt themselves,” Psaltis said.
Although Ventura did give up big innings on Saturday, there were bright spots on the mound. Ryan Fernandez pitched two scoreless innings in game one after earning the win in his last outing. Late-reliever Ethan Hamburg pitched a scoreless ninth for the second outing in a row, after allowing a walk-off grand slam to the Hitmen last week.
The Bucs will have time to regroup before weighing anchor and setting sail for Stengel Field in Glendale, where they will face the CV Falcons Wednesday at 6:00p.m. The Bucs won the last meeting with the Falcons 13-3.
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