Pirates Claim Battle of the Beach Trophy in Monterey

The VC baseball team won the rubber match of a three-game series at Monterey Peninsula College Saturday with a 6-1 victory over the Lobos, claiming the "Battle of the Beach" trophy. Tommy Gibbons-Matsuyama scored twice and had a home run while Dayton Provost had two RBI in VC's four-run sixth inning. Taylor Goffena pitched six shutout innings to pick up the win for Ventura (6-5).

The teams were scoreless until Gibbons-Matsuyama delivered a one-out shot over the fence for VC in the top of the fifth inning. TJ Foreman reached on a fielder's choice, moved to second on a passed ball, stole third and came home when Rudy Aguilar reached base on an error for a 2-0 Pirate advantage.

In the sixth inning, Foreman drew a two-out walk with the bases loaded to score Jacob Valdez. Darnell Prince then scored on a wild pitch. After another walk, Provost delivered a clutch single to score Gibbons-Matsuyama, who reached base after being hit by a pitch, and Foreman. Ventura led 6-0 at the end of the frame.

The Lobos scored once in the eighth, but never really threatened. Miles Minier closed the door with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Gibbons-Matsuyama and Foreman each scored twice in the game and Steele Ledford had two hits. Ventura finished with six hits and seven walks in the contest.

The Pirates will next travel to Mt. San Antonio College on Tuesday Feb. 20 for a 6:00 pm contest under the lights against the Mounties.