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June 29, - LOS ANGELES -
Runs were at a premium Thursday as Colin Perez, the Oilers leadoff hitter, attempted to steal second base from the Pirates with the game tied in the sixth, so catcher Anthony Nevoso’s throw commanded silence from the crowd as it whistled over the mound. Perez slid feet first as the ball bounced off his heel six inches on the first base side of the bag allowing him to take third with nobody out; the inevitable run he would score was enough to ensure the 2-1 Oilers victory at Long Beach City College.
Stellar pitching authored both sides of the scorecard Thursday, as Trevor Sutt threw six innings for the Oilers, a rarity in SBL ball. The only run he allowed was scored in the second by Ellis Stevens who, like Perez in the sixth, was walked to lead off the inning.
Stephen Burke started for the Pirates and allowed only two balls to leave the infield off Oilers’ bats. He struck out one and did not walk anybody. However, the Pirates rarely allow their starters to pitch more than four innings and Burke was removed after the third, in which he allowed his only run and three of his four hits. He was a no decision.
Max Sterner was by far the Pirates' most dominant pitcher but his seventh-inning entrance was too late to rally the offense. Sterner pitched an immaculate eighth inning, an achievement clouded by the tough loss for his team. He recorded four strikeouts in his two innings and remains 0-1 on the year.
After walking Perez to start the Sixth, Frank Gallindo became the losing pitcher without allowing a hit. The Oilers were able to extend his pitch count though, chopping away seven foul balls in their first two at bats against him.
Ventura went down quietly in the ninth against Freshman closer Noel Soto, who earned the save.
The three-team Ventura County organization is now winless in their last four combined games. All three teams have one loss during that span. Both The CCL Bucs and Metro Bucs play on the road Friday.
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