GCCL Bucs Drop Both Games of Doubleheader

Evan Kang hits against Team Victory in a doubleheader Saturday, June 18, 2022. Photo by Jessie Barrientos

In what was an action-packed Saturday the GCCL Bucs dropped both seven inning games to Team Victory by a final score of 6-3 and 10-4.

In game 1, The score was stalled at zero-a-piece until the third inning when the Bucs struck first. It started with a one-out double by second baseman Yahir Garcia, followed by a single by shortstop Evan Kang. Later in the inning a fielder's choice would bring Garcia around to score giving the Bucs a 1-0 lead.

RHP Ryder Edwards drew the start as he has been one of the Bucs' go-to starters. Edwards cruised through 3 innings of work until he got into some trouble in the 4th when Team Victory hit a grand slam to put them up 4-1.

Edwards would allow two more runs in the bottom of the sixth which finished his outing at 5.1IP, 6H, 6ER and 5K.

Trailing 6-1 heading into the 7th, The Bucs had one last chance for a comeback. Unfortunately, they were only able to score two runs off a 2-RBI single by third baseman Austin Schaefer. Game 1 ended in a final score of 6-3.

In Game 2, RHP Logan Tourville was on the bump. Tourville had a clean first two innings but Team victory managed to score eight runs in the two that followed.

“There was a couple of adjustments he tried making mid-game but sometimes it’s just not your day,” said Bucs head coach Ruben Novoa.

In relief for Tourville was fellow RHP and two-way player Hunter Zanki. Zanki pitched the final two innings allowing 2 runs on only one hit.

Offensively, the Bucs struggled until the 6th inning when first baseman Eddie Tejada walked, stole second, advanced to third on a fielder's choice, then came across to score on a wild pitch.

The Bucs would manage to scratch across three more runs in the seventh with back-to-back-to-back singles from Garcia, Schaefer and left fielder Jireh Smart. However, it would not be enough as the Bucs lost game 2, 10-4.

“We failed to come together today,” said Novoa. “At-bats weren’t as crisp as we thought they were and pitching had some trouble today.”

The Bucs will be back in action Friday, June 24 for another doubleheader against the SoCal Hitmen at Los Angeles Valley college. Game one is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm. For more details check us out on Instagram and Twitter @vcbucs.