COMPTON — Speedy infielder Jeff McNeil says he loves creating havoc on the basepaths, and that’s exactly what he did Sunday night in the Santa Barbara Foresters’ 4-2 win over the Urban Academy Barons.
The Long Beach State sophomore, in his second year as a Forester, stole four bases and had a triple and single in the game. Santa Barbara stole eight total bases in the game, and held on to win despite stranding 12 men on base.
The victory keeps the eight-time defending California Collegiate League champions in first place at 11-4, with an overall record of 15-4. The last place Barons are now 5-15 overall.
Santa Barbara starter Jason Hursh (Oklahoma State) picked up his first win of the season, giving up just one hit through five innings pitched. He struggled with his control in the outing, walking six batters, but Santa Barbara converted three double plays in the first three innings to help his cause. Codey Morehouse needed just 10 pitches for a perfect bottom of the ninth to pick up his first save of the year.
Blake Brown, coming off of a two homer-run performance in Saturday’s home win over the Barons, had an RBI and stole two bases on the day.
The Foresters have the day off on Monday and will use the time to take a group of children battling cancer down to Angels Stadium for a ballgame and a chance to meet some Major League players. It’s one of many activities hosted by the team’s foundation, Hugs for Cubs.
Santa Barbara plays at home against the Conejo Oaks on Tuesday at 5 p.m. All games are broadcast on AM 990 and sbforesters.org. Tuesday’s broadcast will be on a one-hour tape-delay.
