Fonzo and Cronenbold Propel Pirates to Win Over Pierce

Finishing up a four game week the Ventura College baseball team swept their season series with Los Angeles Pierce in dramatic fashion 4-3. Brison Cronenbold had three hits in the game and two doubles with two walks, scored two runs and drove in one to set the table for the Pirates offense. While Tony Fonzo continues a dynamic sophomore season with two hits, a walk and two RBI including the walk-off winner in the bottom of the ninth.

Ventura (17-13, 10-8) took an early 2-0 advantage with single runs in the first on a Bryson Wallet sacrifice fly and then in the third on an RBI double from Cronenbold. VC gave the led back to Pierce in the fourth inning when the Brahmas plated three runs for a 3-2 advantage. The Pierce starter held the Pirate offense at bay over the course of the next several innings to go into the eighth inning with a 3-2 advantage. When Cronenbold drove his second double of the game to wall down the right field line it set the table for the VC offense as they sacrificed him to third and then Fonzo drove a fastball to left field to tie the game at three. Pierce worked their way out of the inning to keep it tied heading to the ninth. Adisson Pelupessy shut down the brahma offense in the ninth to set up the potential for a thrilling finish. Ryan Coker started the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Pelupessy, Pierce intentional walked Cronenbold to set up for a potential double play. Vinny Avila pinch hit for VC, but was unable to get on base and brought Fonzo to the plate with two outs and the winning run on second. After falling behind 0-2 quickly on the third pitch Fonzo squared up an 88 mph fastball to right center and Coker came around to cross the plate for the winning run and set off a celebration in center field for VC who picked up their second walk off win of the year.

Fonzo and Cronenbold topped the VC offense, but TJ Durfee knocked out a pair of hits and drew a walk. Pelupessy had one hit, scored a run and drew a walk to go with picking up his second win of the season going 2.2 innings of scoreless relief with two strikeouts.

Carlos Soto made his first start of the season and went 3.1 innings allowing three runs with one strikeout. The Pirate bullpen pieced together the next three innings of scoreless relief to get to Pelupessy. Tyler Esquivel, Joey Contreras, Baylor Mitchell and David Hughes all combined to help the Pirates to get scoreless appearances.

Ventura now will face off with first place Cuesta on Tuesday Apr. 19 at 2:30 pm to start their final six games of the season. They will then travel to San Luis Obispo on Thursday Apr. 21 for a 2:30 pm game.