Kees t’Sas is being counted on to be Santa Barbara’s ace pitcher this season.
The senior didn’t disappoint in the season opener. He pitched a complete-game shutout and went 2-for-4 at the plate with a RBI to lead the Dons to a 2-0 win over Pioneer Valley in the Central Coast Tournament.
A two-out throwing error on a ground ball by Johnny Brontsema allowed Toby Minehan to score from second base for Santa Barbara’s first run in the first inning.
t’Sas’ drove in Kenny Crawford for the second run. Crawford was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a wild pitch.
Santa Barbara was aided by some good defense. The Dons turned two double plays and catcher Max St. John played a wild pitch perfectly off the backstop and made a diving tag on Pioneer Valley baserunner Steven Orozco. St. John also picked off a base runner in the seventh inning.
Santa Barbara will host Arroyo Grande in another tournament game on Tuesday.
