Pirates Down Condors for Conference-Opening Victory

Pirate pitchers dominated the visiting Oxnard Condors Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 10 batters in Ventura's 7-2 victory to open Western State Conference North Division play. Austin Rubick threw six strong innings, allowing three hits and two runs while fanning five to pick up the win and Andrew Nardi pitched three scoreless frames with five punch outs for the save. Elijah Alexander sparked the offense with a three-hit day with a walk and three runs scored.

Chris McKee had two hits for Ventura (9-5, 1-0), including a double, and drove in three runs. Kaden Betsch added two hits, including a double, with two RBI. Brett Steinberger had a two-RBI triple.

Ventura started out in a hole, spotting the Condors a pair of runs in the top of the first inning.

VC came back and took the lead with three scores in the third. Bryson Wallet walked to lead things off and Alexander reached base with a single. Shane Gipson walked to load the bases with no outs before Betsch had a two-RBI single to tie the score. After a sacrifice bunt, McKee reached base on a fielder's choice scoring Gipson and the Pirates led 3-2.

The score remained close until Ventura plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth.With two outs and two runners on base, McKee doubles in Alexander and Betsch to make the margin 5-2.

VC added a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, Steinberger tripled in Alexander and Taylor Campos for the final 7-2 score.

The Pirates conclude their two-game set with the Condors Thursday March 9 at Oxnard, with first pitch at 2:00 pm. They return home to face Moorpark on Saturday March 11 at 1:00 pm at Pirate Park.