Pirates Hold Off Bulldogs to Split Season Series

VC sophomore Reiss Calvin continued his stellar season hitting 3-5 with a double, two runs scored and two runs batted in and Gage Allen was 3-5 with two RBI and a run scored as Ventura held off Hancock 10-7 Friday at Pirate Park. Cooper Smith had a quality start for the victory, throwing seven innings and giving up three runs, two earned on eight hits. The triumph gave Ventura (16-23, 11-12) a season split with the Bulldogs.

VC got the game started right with a run in the bottom of the first. Calvin led off with a single/ One out later he moved all the way to third on an error on the pitcher before Mason Reid hit an RBI double.

In the second, the Pirates pulled away with four more runs. Matthew Beach led off with a single, and Allen followed with another base hit one out later. Beach moved to third on the hit and Allen went to second on the throw to third. After a second out, Calvin doubled to knock in two runs and Yuki Kawashima doubled home Calvin. Kawashima then moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on an error for the 5-0 Ventura advantage.

The Bulldogs got on the board with a pair of runs in the top of the third before VC answered with a score in the bottom half of the frame.

Andrew Savage led off with a walk and went to second when Beach hit a single. One out later Allen singled to load the bases before Caden Stillwell hit a sacrifice fly to left field.

Hancock plated another score in the fourth, but the Pirates kept pace with their own score in the bottom half of the inning. 

With one out, Reid reached base on an error, but was forced out at second when Haiden Letzing hit into a fielder's choice. Savage had a base hit, then Beach singled home Letzing for the unearned run.

VC added to the lead with a pair of runs in the sixth. Letzing reached base on an error and Savage followed with a single. Beach made it to first on a fielder's choice that retired Savage at second, leaving runners on the corners. After the second out, Beach stole second before Allen hit a two-RBI single for the 9-3 margin.

The Pirates added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh. Kawashima drew a one-out walk before Reid hit a triple to send him all the way home.

Ventura led 10-3 before AHC scored four runs in the top of the eighth to set the final score at 10-7.

The Pirates will close the 2023 season at home on Saturday April 29, hosting LA Pierce at 1:00 pm at Pirate Park.