Pirates Overcome by Riptide in 5-4 Loss

Darren Taylor records an assist. Photo by Peter Gastis

Missed opportunities and a lack of clutch hitting again cost the Ventura County Pirates, as they fell 5-4 to the Orange County Riptide after leading the majority of the game.

“We’re just not cashing in our opportunities with runners in scoring position,” Pirates General Manager George Vranau said. “We’re not playing opportunistic baseball.”

The Pirates started the night on a positive note with a 2-RBI single from Jacob Ortega. The Pirates spread the wealth offensively, as seven different players recorded at least one hit, helping the Pirates take a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth, when a 2-run homer off Eric Crouse, the third Pirate reliever on a 1-2 pitch gave the Riptide the lead for good.

Despite the bullpen’s inability to close the game out, Pirates starter Cole Dale hurled a gem in his five innings of work. His outing featured more command than the 2 earned runs on his final line would indicate. He struck out six batters, two in each of his final three innings.

“He pitched well, he gave us a shot to win.” Vranau said. “The bullpen just couldn’t close out the win tonight.”

The Pirates return to home port and resume Best-of-the-West play Saturday, June 26th against the Long Beach Legends at LA Valley College. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00a.m.

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