Santa Barbara split its doubleheader at the Anaheim Lions Tournament on Saturday, winning the first game against Savannah 6-3, and losing its second game to Brea-Olinda 8-1.
Dons, the top-ranked team in CIF Division 2, started the day scoring four of their six runs in the final two innings against Savannah
Cameron Gniadek broke open a 2-1 game in the top of the 6th with a two-run triple to make it 4-1. Senior Pepe Gil had a two run homer to make it 6-1 in the seventh. It was Gil’s first home run of the year.
Lucas Benenati pitched five innings for the Dons, allowing just one run in the fifth. Senior Danny Zandona took over in the sixth, allowing two runs in the seventh in his first relief appearance. Savannah had 5 hits in the game.
“It was a well played game by both teams. It was a crucial game for us to win,” expressed Dons assistant coach Mike Cooney.
Santa Barbara’s second game of the day didnt go as well against Brea Olinda, a Division 1 team.
“We’re in it for experience, and it’s beneficial playing a strong division one team,” said Cooney.
The Dons scored their only run of the game in the first.
Brea Olinda scored two in the first and second innings for a 4-1 lead.
Santa Barbara was held to two hits for the game Brea-Olinda’s Jared Love.
“Their pitcher pretty much snuffed us,” said Cooney. “They’re really a strong, fast team.”
Brea Olinda scored another four runs in the fifth to make it 8-1.
Kees t’Sas made his first start for the Dons since an off-season shoulder injury.
Santa Barbara moves to 10-2 overall. Its next game is on Monday against Servite.
First Game
Santa Barbara 6
Savannah 3
SB….100 012 2 — 6 5 1
Savannah…000 010 2 — 3 8 0
Benenati, Zandona (6) and Eaton; Kennedy, Rivera (5), Yslas (7) and Batuyomg
W-Benenati (2-0). L- Kennedy
Second Game
Brea-Olinda 8
Santa Barbara 1
Brea Olinda…220 040 0 — 8 9 0
Santa Barbara…100 000 0 — 1 2 2
Love and McFarland; t’Sas, Eaton (4), Below (5), McManigal (5), Tanner (7) and St. John
W-Love, L-t’Sas
