Skyler Sabado executed a perfect drag bunt that resulted in Santa Barbara High scoring three runs in the second inning, and the Dons went on to defeat Chaparral, Colo., 4-2, in their second pool-play game Tuesday at the Coach Bob National Invitational Baseball Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz.
Santa Barbara is 1-1 in the tournament and completes pool play Wednesday against Sheldon, Ore.
With a 1-0 lead and Zach Torres and Peter Ghersen on base, Sabado laid a bunt down the third baseline. Chaparral’s third baseman threw the ball away at first, allowing Torres and Ghersen to score and Sabado to reach third. Connor McManigal ripped a line-drive hit to score Sabado and give the Dons a 4-0 lead.
Chaparral got two runs off Santa Barbara starter Evan Smith in the third inning. But Smith shut down the Colorado team before he was lifted with one out in the seventh. John Brontsema took over the pitching duties and gave up an infield single before getting the next batter to hit into a game-ending double play.
The Dons are 7-3 on the season.
