A complete game shutout pitching gem, by freshman Wyatt Birg overpowered Ventura College, Tuesday afternoon at Raiders Stadium. Moorpark won the contest 5-0, and Birg’s record is now 4-1.
“I gave up a leadoff hit in the ninth, but I stuck through it and came out strong,” said Birg. “Last week, I only went three innings, so I had a long break and rested my arm. I felt good.”
With no runs on the scoreboard, it was anyone’s game until the Raiders bats came alive in the seventh inning. Timely hitting finally broke through the pitching of the Ventura starter, Jackson Simonsgaard, who surrendered four runs.
“Their guy pitched well,” head coach Mario Porto said. “But when you pitch like Wyatt did today, it makes it a little easier to win.”
With one out in the seventh, base hits by Dalton Duarte and Ryan Mulville put runners at first and second. Robbie Hynes’ base hit sent pinch runner, Jesse Aucelluzzo, home for the first Raider run.
Freshman shortstop, Terrell Tate retired Ventura in order in the fifth with three bullets in quick succession to first. He even dropped the grounder from the last runner, but recovered in time to get him out.
“I just prepare for every pitch and get a ground ball via the pitcher.” said Tate “The fewer pitches we throw, the less errors. It was a defensive day.”
Riley Conlan’s key double scored two additional runs in the seventh, and Garrett Keeber’s base hit drove in the fourth run. Terrell Tate was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on, but a double play ball ended the threat and the inning.
“We finally did something with people on base and got some key hits in the seventh,” Porto said. “We did a good job in that inning and the next, scoring that other run.
Freshman, Thomas Luevano, doubled to open the eighth and with one out, Jesse Aucelluzzo, the new designated hitter doubled him home for the Raiders final run.
“It’s weak,” Birg said, referring to his ice packed right arm. “I never felt pressured at any point except for the ninth. We played as a team, and I had good D. I just kept playing and didn’t let up.”
The Raiders are now 8-5 and will travel to Ventura for a Thursday game beginning at 2 p.m.
