Warrior bats managed just five hits against Pioneer pitching as #11 Westmont (35-12) dropped a non-conference affair to Antelope Valley (20-26) on Wednesday afternoon at Russ Carr Field.
Antelope Valley pitcher Oscar Estrada (3-5) claimed the win after pitching four and one-third innings. Estrada allowed two runs on four hits, struck out four and walked two. Julio Rivera was awarded his first save of the season after closing out the ninth inning.
Westmont starter David Gaydos took the loss for the Warriors. He pitched three and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs, two of which were earned, on six hits. Gaydos struck out five and did not surrender a walk.
Adrian Farago pitched two and one-third scoreless and hitless innings for the Warriors. Shane Turner and Zach DeMarcus each pitched one inning giving up a hit each but no runs. Hector Lujan pitched the ninth, retiring the side in order while collecting two strikeouts.
Antelope Valley scored two unearned runs after Eric Vegas reached on an error to lead off the top of the second inning. One out later, Darron Teson singled up the middle to put Pioneer runs on first and second. Joe Tourville then doubled down the left field line to score Vegas and move Teson to third. Nycholas Bongiovanni, who pinch ran for Teson, eventually scored when Whaylan Price singled to center field.
In the top of the fourth, the Pioneers added two more runs on solo home runs by Victory Barron and Nicholas Ridio.
Westmont’s first run came in the bottom of the sixth after Blake Matthias led off with a single to right field. After Matthias reached second on a wild pitch and two Warriors were retired without moving him further, Steven Pollex doubled down the right field line to score Matthias.
In the eighth inning, Will Barring reached on a lead-off walk. One out later, Michael Pollex doubled to left center, advancing Barring to third. Andrew Devian pinch hit and drove in Barring with a ground out to second base.
The Warriors will now give their attention to the final series of the regular season. Westmont will host Concordia on Friday at three o’clock. On Saturday, the Warriors will honor the graduating seniors before taking on Concordia in a doubleheader. Ceremonies begin at 11:30 p.m.
