Santa Barbara High clinched at least a share of the Channel League championship on Tuesday with a 7-3 win at Buena, assuring itself the top seed out of the Channel League into the CIF baseball playoffs.
Danny Zandona improved to 8-2 on the season, shrugging off a slow start to go the distance. He needed 48 pitches to get through the first two innings but just 45 for the remainder of the game. The Dons fell behind early, but a two-run homer by Collin Dewell in the third put them back on top, where they stayed for good. Trey Barrett and Kees t’Sas added solo homers in the seventh inning.
“This was a huge relief, and we’re always glad to get a win down there,” said assistant coach Mike Cooney. “If we hadn’t it would have put all the pressure on (Thursday’s rematch at SBHS).”
Barrett added two singles and t’Sas had a key RBI single in the third. The Dons (19-4, 8-3) don’t have much on the line in Thursday’s game, but aren’t going to lay off or change the lineup significantly.
“Buena’s playing for a playoff position, and we owe it to their opponents to try and win,” said Cooney.
The Bulldogs are now 11-13, 5-6.
SANTA BARBARA 7, BUENA 3
Santa Barbara…013 100 2 — 7 11 2
Buena…030 000 0 — 3 6 0
Zandona (8-2) and Eaton. Albertson, Horigan (3) and Boys.
2B — B: Arve, Patterson. HR — SB: Dewell (3rd inn., one on), Barrett (7th inn., solo), t’Sas (7th inn., solo).
