A six-run sixth inning launched San Marcos over Ventura 7-4 in Tuesday’s Channel League opener for both teams.
The Royals trailed 4-1 going into the bottom of the sixth but tacked on six runs on seven hits.
“The kids played with a lot of heart today, did not give up when down and played fundamentally sound baseball,” said Royals assistant coach Mike Sandford “The kids believe in themselves again and have a winning and positive attitude.”
Evan Doherty pitched 5 2/3 innings for the Royals as the starter. Anthony Branch came on to get the final out in the sixth inning with runners on second and third base. Branch only pitched a 1/3 of an inning but picked up the victory to improve to 4-0.
Joe Prince’s two-run double in the bottom of the sixth was the biggest blow to Ventura. The Royals had already rallied on hits from Jimmy Brakka, Sean MacDuffee, Evan Doherty and Wes Gibson. Prince’s double put San Marcos up 6-4.
Prince then came into pitch the seventh and earned his second save of the season.
The Royals are now 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the Channel League. San Marcos hosts Santa Barbara on Friday at 3:15 p.m.
SAN MARCOS 7, VENTURA 4
Ventura 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 – 4 9 2
San Marcos 0 1 0 0 0 6 x – 7 9 3
Davidson, York(6), and Morton.
Doherty, Branch(6), Prince(7) and MacDuffee
W- Branch (4-0)
L- Davidson
Save – Prince (2
Go Royals!