Contreras’ Late Double, Three-Pitcher Gem Lift Ventura at Moorpark

Brandon Contreras broke up a scoreless duel with a go-ahead double in the seventh inning, and three Ventura pitchers combined on a two-hitter as the Pirates edged Moorpark 1-0 on Tuesday afternoon. Johnny Levelis, Alex Villacana and Victor Tostado combined to shutout the Raiders while yielding just two hits and recording 10 strikeouts. 

Contreras delivered the decisive swing in the top of the seventh, driving in Matthew Ramirez for the game's only run with his second double of the day to finally break through against the MC staff. The Pirates finished with five hits and eight walks but stranded 12 runners, making Contreras' timely extra-base hit the difference in a tight, low-scoring contest.

On the mound, VC's pitching staff was dominant from start to finish. Starter Levelis set the tone by working 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five to keep the Raiders off the board early. Villacana followed with 2.1 shutout frames in relief before handing the ball to V. Tostado, who closed the door over the final 3.2 innings.

Tostado earned the win after allowing only one hit and no runs with three strikeouts, securing the 1-0 victory while navigating traffic as Moorpark left 10 runners on base. 

Contreras led the Ventura offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and the lone RBI. Despite managing just one run, the Pirates consistently applied pressure, drawing eight walks, collecting two doubles and a stolen base while forcing Moorpark's pitchers to work out of multiple jams.

VC will continue the three-game series with the cross-county rivals at Pirate Park on Thursday Feb. 26. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm.