Trevor Moropoulos was strong in his first start of the season for Santa Barbara High on Saturday and the Dons’ defense didn’t commit an error in a 7-2 victory over St. Joseph at Eddie Mathews Field.
Moropoulos breezed through the first four innings before allowing one run to cross in the fifth inning. It was the junior’s longest outing of the season and it earned him the victory. Joel Johnson and Kole t’Sas pitched the final two innings for Santa Barbara.
Moropoulos struck out four batters and allowed just two hits in five innings.
The defense was errorless in the field. The Dons (5-0) have registered just two errors in five games – all victories.
“That’s really helped us this year,” said Dons head coach Fred Warrecker.
Warrecker noted Harry Parker at third base and a nice catch in right field by Daniel Davis.
“(Davis) made a crucial catch in right field off their cleanup hitter,” Warrecker explained. “With one out and runners on first and second. That was gigantic. He came in and caught the ball off his knee. If he hesitates at all, it drops in as a base hit.”
Bryce Morison and Skyler Sabado were trouble for St. Joseph’s pitchers all day. The pair – hitting at the top of Santa Barbara’s lineup – combined for five hits and four RBI.
Santa Barbara has its Channel League opener coming up next as the Dons host Dos Pueblos on Tuesday afternoon.
LINESCORE
SJ 000 010 1 – 2 6 4
SB 002 203 x – 7 5 0SJ Tuck, Morgan (6), and Morris. SB – Moropoulos, Johnson (6), t’Sas (7), and Sabado. WP – Moropoulos. LP – Tuck.
