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The Ventura County Pirates (30-10, 19-9 Sunset Baseball League) clinched the SBL no. 1 overall playoff seed and broke a team record with their 29th win Friday night over the OC Legends in Anaheim. Additionally, Ventura County became the only team in the SBL with 30 wins when it defeated the Oilers in game one of a double header Saturday.
The No. 1 seed gives Ventura County a first round playoff bye. They do not play until 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. The playoffs are a double-elimination tournament to earn a spot in a three game championship series at CSU Fullerton next weekend.
All-Star pitcher Curren Larson (5-1) tossed yet another gem Friday against the Legends. He hurled six innings of two-hit ball allowing no runs with eight strikeouts for his team-leading fifth win.
All-Star Deandrey Carter relieved Larsen and earned the save. He finishes the year leading the team with three saves and 37 strikeouts.
Catcher Bradley Chesterton drove in the eventual winning run with a double in the eighth inning. He stole third base later that inning and had three hits on the night. Chesterton had six hits on the weekend and at least one in each of the three games.
Chesterton splits time behind the plate with Nick Henry who also had multiple hits against the Legends and against the Oilers. He extended his hitting streak to six games in game 1 Saturday and is 11-19 with three doubles and a home run during that span.
Pitcher Miguel Garcia earned his second quality start of the year in game 1 Saturday. He showed an ability to pitch out of jams during his six shutout innings. Garcia allowed seven hits but struck out five while walking none.
Shohei Umeki (2-0) relieved Garcia and was credited with the win. He struck out five Oilers in just three innings of work.
The Pirates begin the playoffs at Biola University 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24.