Coalinga CA - Head coach Stefan McGovern and the West Hills College baseball squad played host to #2 Reedley college on Tuesday afternoon. Today marked the start of a three game set to start off both teams conference season. Reedley enters the day ranked second in the Northern California rankings.
Freshman Cody Lorenzinini took the hill for West Hills to start the day. Lorenzini worked efficiently through seven innings and allowed two earned runs on five hits. Lorenzini showed high promise in his first nod for the Falcons. Unfortunately for WHCC, the defense did not show up early. The Tigers were able to capitalize on two Falcon errors and jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the second inning.
The Reedley pitching staff was able to keep the Falcons bats quiet most of the game. West Hills was held to only four hits in the game. Jake Lorenzini got things going in the third inning by earning a leadoff walk. After moving to third on a single by Matt Siedem, Lorenzini was plated by a sacrifice fly by Brandon Hernandez.
In the sixth inning Alante Uribe drove in Hernandez with a base hit through the left side of the infield to make the score 4-2 in favor of Reedley.
After seven complete innings coach McGovern decided to go with right-handed Jaret Olson to relieve Lorenzini. Olson allowed only one hit in his two innings of work, and struck out four batters. He also escaped a bases loaded and nobody out jam in the top of the 9th to keep the score at 4-2 in favor of the Tigers.
In the 9th, Reedley's closer Joe Riley came in and shut the door, not allowing a runner to reach base.
Final: West Hills 2 – Barstow College 4
These two teams are slated to play again on Thursday, March 9th in Reedley CA. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.
For the latest on Falcons baseball, including news and score updates, follow @whcbaseball on Twitter.
Game 1: West Hills 2 – Reedley 4 - Keith Skrivner Field
Game 2: March 9th - @ Reedley
Game 3: March 11th – Keith Skrivner Field – 2:00 p.m.