Dos Pueblos and Ventura flip-flopped spots in the Channel League baseball standings on Thursday after Ventura held on to beat the hard-charging Chargers 10-9 in eight innings.
Dos Pueblos clawed its way back after falling behind 8-1, scoring four runs in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh to tie the game at 9-9. But Ventura sneaked a run over in the eighth on a pass ball and snagged the key league game.
Ventura takes over first place in a tight race at 5-3 while DP (11-11) falls into second at 5-4. With their bye week still ahead, the Chargers face San Marcos on Friday in their third game in four days.
Dos Pueblos hit four home runs to get back into the game, including two from Robert Vickers. Nate Hart connected for a two-run shot over the left-field fence in the sixth inning and Ryan Ventura’s two-out, two-run blast came in the seventh to tie the game at 9-all.
“Ryan Ventura has been a solid hitter with two outs,” said Nate Mendoza. “He’s definitely a clutch hitter.”
Mendoza had more praise for his hitters, saying Vickers’ first home run came on a 12-pitch at bat that Mendoza called one of the best he’s ever seen.
On the mound, Hart and Ventura both pitched quality innings in relief of starter Tyler McGaughey, giving the Chargers a chance to get back in it.
VENTURA 10, DOS PUEBLOS 9, 8 INNINGS
Dos Pueblos 000 104 40 – 9 10 1
Ventura 130 401 01 – 10 10 2
DP – McGaughey, Hart (4), Ventura. V – Poherty. 2B – DP 4 (Limosnero, Corazza, Micheel, Reveles) HR – DP 4 (Vickers 2, Hart, Ventura).
