Danny Zandona earned his second win of the season on Thursday, staying on the mound for a full seven innings in Santa Barbara’s 4-3 win over Arroyo Grande at Eddie Mathews Field.
The Dons mustered only three hits on the day but managed to squeeze out four runs in the process.
“When we get three hits, we’re going to have to play defense and pitch,” noted Dons assistant coach Mike Cooney.
Dons second baseman Jack Crummer puts the tag down in plenty of time to get Arroyo Grande's Clark Goosen.
Zandona struck out six batters and walked one and the defense didn’t commit an error behind him. Zandona did make a mistake to Arrroyo Grande’s Eric Simon, who crushed a two-run home run in the third inning that gave the Eagles a 3-0 lead.
Santa Barbara came back to tie with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jack Crummer scored the game-winner in the fifth inning after doubling to lead off the inning. A throwing error on a sacrifice bunt allowed Crummer to score from second.
“It wasn’t glorious that’s for sure,” Cooney said.
Joey Gonzalez and Kees T’Sas recorded the Dons’ other two hits.
Santa Barbara improves to 2-0-1 on the season and plays at home again on Friday against Santa Ynez. The Dons finish up play in the Central Coast Tournament on Tuesday at St. Joseph. Arroyo Grande suffered its first loss of the season and is 2-1.
SANTA BARBARA 4, ARROYO GRANDE 3
Arroyo Grande 102 000 0 – 3 6 1
Santa Barbara 001 210 X – 4 3 0
SB – Zandona, and Eaton. AG – Yankocek, Haynes(4), and Spears. 2b – Crummer, AG Hernandez. HR – AG Simon (3rd, 1 on)
