The Santa Barbara baseball team piled 19 hits together on Tuesday in the opening game of the Righetti Tournament, proving plenty good in a 14-1 victory over Santa Maria.
Three Dons collected three hits each: Jack Crummer, Joey Gonzales and Danny Zandona. But it was Collin Dewell that provided the big blow, a sixth inning grand slam that helped kick in the mercy-rule, ending the contest after six innings.
Sophomore catcher Collin Eaton took the mound for the first time in his young career, recording a complete game in his first start. Eaton allowed only five baserunners the entire day and did not walk anyone.
“It was very windy,” described Dons assistant coach Mike Cooney of the conditions up north. “I have to give credit to pitching and fielding for being as steady as it was under those conditions.”
Undefeated hurler Danny Zandona gets the nod on Wednesday in Santa Barbara’s second game of the tourney, this one against Deer Valley.
The Dons improved to 7-5 overall on the season.
SANTA BARBARA 14, SANTA MARIA 1
Santa Barbara 500 504 – 14 19 1
San Marcos 001 000 – 1 4 2
SB – Eaton, and Fraker. WP – Eaton (1-0). 2B – SB 3 (Crummer, Zandona, Dewell). 3B – SB 1 (Fraker). HR – SB 1 (Dewell 6th inning, 3 on). Records – SB 7-5, SM 2-11.
