Santa Barbara High’s scoreless innings streak to start the season was snapped on Tuesday by Santa Maria, but the Dons still won easily 8-1.
Dons pitchers had gone 25 full innings without allowing a run before Santa Maria’s Elias Peinado singled home a run in the bottom of the fifth.
Santa Barbara already led 7-0 after three innings and winning pitcher Marcus Tmur completed the first four innings without allowing a baserunner. Daniel McKinney and Matt Murray relieved Tmur to finish the game.
“Marcus was excellent, throwing only 34 pitches during his 4-inning start,” said Dons assistant Mike Cooney. “We stress throwing strikes early in the count and by doing so, Marcus was constantly ahead of the hitters. He could have pitched longer but the season is still young.”
Carter Soto had two doubles and three RBI while John Jensen had two RBI with a pair of hits.
The Dons (4-0) face Orcutt Academy on Thursday in their final Central Coast Tournament game. On Friday, the Dons will host San Marcos in the Channel League opener for both teams.
