Saddleback extended their losing streak to nine on Friday, dropping them down to 3-19. They came up short against the Orange Panthers, falling 14-1. Unfortunately, that's the third time they've come up short against the Panthers this season, with their most recent loss being a 19-0 defeat on Tuesday.
Joaquin Cornejo was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He pitched five innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and one RBI.
As for Orange, the victory was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record up to 18-9. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 contests by six runs or more this season.
Like Saddleback, Orange also got a great game from a two-way player: Abraham Ontiveros. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. The dominant performance also gave Ontiveros a new career-high in strikeouts (three). He was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Orange is undefeated when Ontiveros posts two or more runs, but 8-9 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Daniel Vergara and Dirk O'Dette dominated on the mound. Vergara struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk), while O'Dette pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits.
Back at the plate, Braxton Nock was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with three RBI and one run. Another player making a difference was Evan Gonzalez, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and one run.
Coming up, Saddleback will face off against Western at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. The Pioneers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.48 runs per game on average), something the Roadrunners will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Orange, they will take on Irvine at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
