On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the Moorpark College Raiders baseball team matched up against the Rio Hondo Roadrunners for a non-conference matchup.
Entering the contest, the Raiders looked to extend their season’s longest win streak to five games. The opposing Roadrunners were seeking revenge for an 11-15 loss at home against Moorpark two days earlier.
It was evident from the very first pitch that a third opponent would make its presence felt on this sunny Thursday, the wind. Strong gusts of wind would present a problematic added wrinkle for both teams.
Freshman pitcher Caelan Eisenstien got the nod to start the game on the mound for the home team. Four roadrunners came to the plate, and all four returned to the dugout, with only one hitter reaching first base on a walk.
The bottom of the first inning saw the number two batter, Daniel Aguilera, reach first base courtesy of a walk. Next up to the plate was sophomore Daniel Orozco. Boasting a batting average of .311, Orozco came to the plate, seemingly intent on growing that number. An RBI double to left-center field brought in Aguilera and put the game’s first points on the board.
Orozco’s batting average had been trending in the right direction leading up to the game. After racking up a hit, an RBI and three runs on two at-bats, he had his coaches to thank.
“[The] coaches have been helping me out. They’ve been telling me to stay oppo [opposite] and I’ve been doing really well with that.”
Through the top of the third inning, Rio Hondo remained hitless. However, the Raiders put on an offensive display in the bottom of the inning. After Orozco reached first on a fielder’s choice, a pair of singles from the bats of Ryan Stewart and Jadyn Myatt scored the outfielder.
The home team was not done yet, however. Royal alum Rodney Sabbe struck out swinging but reached first base on a wild pitch, loading the bases with one out left in the inning. A Yandel Guereque single and an error by the Roadrunners’ second baseman on consecutive at-bats scored three more runs for Moorpark.
Head coach Mario Porto took pride in his team’s offensive playmaking ability.
“They’ve made some great adjustments,” the Raiders’ lead man said. “I’m happy to see that they’ve made some adjustments at the plate.”
After being held hitless for the first three innings, the visiting Roadrunners found some success in the fourth, notching two hits and scoring two runs. A pitching change for the Raiders saw Eisenstein relieved by freshman Matthew Acosta, who would go on to finish the game for Moorpark.
As the offense slowed, Moorpark’s defense got an opportunity to shine, and they did. Daniel Aguilera was at the center of two of three double plays the Raiders turned in the game’s back half. The freshman infielder finds gratification in making crucial defensive stops for his squad.
“It’s always great to go with my guy up the middle.” The Camarillo high school alum said. “Helping my pitchers out was my best opportunity [today], so when I can’t do it at the plate, doing it defensively helps the team out a lot.”
The Raiders shut the door on Rio Hondo, winning the game with a final score of 7-2 and extending their win streak to five. Aguilera also spoke on how confident he feels about his team going forward.
“Amazing honestly, on top of the roof. I can’t wait to get that next series going.”
Since the win over non-conference opponent Rio Hondo, the Raiders were outlasted by Cuesta in a three-game conference series. They fell to powerhouse program LA Valley in the next two games played.
Moorpark baseball looks to bounce back from their five-game losing streak in their next game at home on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
