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Sunday, June 4th, 11 am - Ventura County Pirates vs. SoCal Jays @ Los Angeles Valley College
The Ventura County Pirates secured another victory against the SoCal Jays in an intense battle that saw both teams display their skills on the field. With a final score of 6-12, the Pirates emerged triumphant, showcasing their determination and resilience throughout the game.
In a game that featured several lead changes, it was the top of the 8th inning that proved to be the turning point for the Pirates. With the game tied, Dan Laughery stepped up to the plate and delivered a timely three-run home run over the left field wall. This gave the Pirates a crucial lead. The team's offense continued to shine as they broke out on a hitting spree, scoring four more runs in the same inning, creating a sizable gap on the scoreboard. Reflecting on the momentous moment, the player of the game, Jesse Gadd remarked, 'I'm on second base and there goes Dan hitting a home run, that changes and shifts the game completely so just little things like that staying in the game not focusing on the past is what keeps us in the present.'
From the first pitch, the Pirates set the tone with their explosive offense, pouncing on the Jays' pitchers like hungry wolves. In a back-and-forth affair, the game remained deadlocked until the pivotal eighth inning, when the Pirates unleashed an offensive onslaught. Dan Laughery, a force to be reckoned with, obliterated all doubts by launching a colossal three-run homer over the left-field wall, propelling the Pirates to a decisive win. The crowd erupted in jubilation as the Pirates seized control, their relentless hitting parade leaving the Jays in disarray.
Jesse Gadd emerged as the Pirates' standout player, contributing significantly to the team's success with an exceptional batting performance. Hitting 5-for-5 with four RBIs, Gadd showcased his offensive talent and left an indelible mark on the game. His extraordinary display included two doubles, three singles, and a stolen base, solidifying his impact on the diamond. Wielding his lumber like a virtuoso, Gadd amassed an awe-inspiring collection of hits, resonating with precision and power at each crack of the bat. With his remarkable performance, Gadd led the charge for the Pirates, setting the tone for their scoring efforts and providing a strong foundation for victory.
Gadd ignited the Pirates' offense early in the game with an RBI double in the first inning. The game remained closely contested until the top of the 7th inning when a drawn walk allowed the Pirates to tie the game at 5-5.
Pitching played a vital role in the Pirates' success, with Aiden Melendrez earning the win by pitching 2.2 innings and striking out four batters. Walter Quinn, the starting pitcher, performed exceptionally, tossing three scoreless innings and not allowing any hits. Each of the four Pirates pitchers showcased their skills, throwing around 40 pitches each to contribute to the team's
victory.
The Jays struggled to find offensive momentum, limited to only three hits by the dominant Pirates pitching crew. Despite the low hit count, they scored six runs, capitalizing on opportunities presented to them.
With this victory, the Pirates now boast an undefeated 2-0 record, with both wins coming against the SoCal Jays. It is worth noting that the Jays fielded a different roster for this game than their previous outing on Friday, June 2nd.
This game marked the opening act of a thrilling doubleheader for the Ventura County Pirates. However, there was no time for rest as they braced themselves for an electrifying showdown against the SoCal Mavericks later in the evening.