Offense Propels Pirates Into First Place in 12-3 Thrashing Over Bucs

Pirates RHP Xavier Stoker throws a pitch against the Inland Empire Bucs at LA Valley College July 10, 2022. Photo by Maddy Whiting

The Ventura County Pirates (13-11-1) (12-3 league) offense erupted Sunday afternoon to power them to a 12-3 win over the Inland Valley Bucs, allowing them to take over first place in the Best of the West and remain undefeated at home.

The Bucs struck first early on in the game, scoring 2 runs in the top of the 1st, but the Pirates responded quickly with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning. A fielder’s choice and error allowed for Andrew Boglino and Jovan Camacho to cross the plate to tie the game at 2. Then, an Andrew Tovar sac fly gave the Pirates a 4-2 lead.

After the Bucs scored a run in the top of the third to cut into the Pirates lead, Ryan Camacho led off the fifth inning with a triple and then scored on an error to give the Pirates their two run advantage all by himself.

“I had the timing down, got a swing on it, and put it in the gap and I was just thinking three out of the gate,” Camacho said.

The Pirates offense piled on in the bottom of the 5th, with Robbie Treto singling home Jovan Camacho and Kyle Soberano stealing home to expand the Pirates lead to 7-3.

In the 8th inning, Troy Anderson hit a 2 RBI double to put the Pirates up 10-3, and the Pirates added two more runs to expand the lead to 12-3. Reliever Jimmy Urban then shut it down in the top of the 9th to seal the win for the Pirates.

The Pirates’ pitching staff gave up 0 earned runs on the day, and featured a combined effort from starter Brandon Doehne (3-1), who got the win, and relievers Xavier Stoker, JP Claire, Josh Yosfan, and Jimmy Urban.

The Pirates remain undefeated at home thus far this season and look to stay in first place when they head on the road to face the Long Beach Legends on Tuesday at 4:30.

https://www.sunsetleaguebaseball.com/game/show/35587684?subseason=818122&referrer=7179312