The Carpinteria baseball team was inches away from forcing extra innings, but ended up losing 1-0 at Malibu. The loss means Malibu will qualify for the postseason while the Warriors’ season will end.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and just one out recorded, Carpinteria pitcher Colton Rubio forced a ground ball. One runner was thrown out at second base, but the throw to first was a split-second late and the Malibu runner beat the double play. This allowed the runner at third to score and end the game.
“It was a great high school game. It stings a bit but our players can be proud of their efforts in this game and throughout the season,” coach Pat Cooney said.
Rubio pitched an excellent game and constantly worked himself out of jams. A Malibu runner reached third base with less than two outs gone on five different occasions during the game.
The Warriors finished the year with 10-12 overall record and a 5-7 record against Tri-Valley League opponents.
“They have been excellent teammates to each other and trusting of the coaches. They overachieved a bit because of their character and hard work,” Cooney said.
LINE SCORE:
Carpinteria… 000 000 0—0 5 2
Malibu… 000 000 1—1 7 0
Rubio and Stein; McAlevey and Gruskin. W—McAlevey (7-2) L—Rubio (5-7).
