Glendora, CA(Baseball) – While starting out their pre-conference play 3-11, the Fighting Owls baseball team may have find some new life in Western States Conference play. Citrus picked up their second conference win of the season to move to .500 in WSC play as they shocked LA Pierce 6-5 Thursday afternoon.
Citrus starter Jeff Van Gundy pitched over 6 strong innings to get the win. Van Gundy was roughed up in the 1st inning, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) in that first Brahma’s at bat, but Van Gundy settled down as he wouldn’t allow another run over the next 5 innings.
While Van Gundy controlled the mound, the Fighting Owls bats helped break through, as they scored 6 runs over the first 5 innings. The Owls biggest breakout was in the 5th when Citrus scored 3 runs when Javier Lizarraga and Ryan Cornejo had back to back RBI’s giving the Owls a seemingly comfortable 6-2 lead.
L.A. Pierce did not want to go away however, as they scored one run in the 7th and 2 more in the 9th inning to draw to within in 1 run of the Citrus lead. With bases loaded and 1 out, the Brahma’s hit into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game, and give Citrus a win.
In the win the Fighting Owls were led by Daniel Sandello, who went 2 for 3 with 2 doubles, and Javier Lizarraga who went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI. The Fighting Owls improve to 5-13 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Pitcher Jeff Van Gundy moves his record to 2-0 with the win. Citrus will be on the road this weekend as it travels to play LA Valley college on Saturday March 3rd. First pitch will be at 1:00 P.M.
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