Cuesta Baseball, after splitting the first two games of their series with the visiting Riverside, watched the Tigers jump out to a commanding lead in the third and final game. The Tigers connected for four runs in the first inning, while the Cougars, after posting a double in their first at bat, failed to get any of their next 14 batsmen on base. Reliever Andrew Seibert came in to get the Cougars out of the opening frame and remained on the hill for the duration. Seibert scattered four hits, unfortunately including the Tiger's Dylan Nelson's home run to lead off the 4th inning, while collecting 26 outs and earning the victory. On the other side, the Tigers emptied their bullpen using four relievers to check the Cougars' comeback. Cuesta finally broke through just before the stretch with five runs in the 6th inning. Freshman Catcher Julian Kirschenstein ignited the rally with the Cougars' first hit in five innings. Centerfielder Nathan Reese followed with another single and two batters later they both scored on all-WSC Infielder Diego Murillo's (pict) Two-RBI Double. After a pitching change and a hit by pitch, Murillo came around to score on Jack Clothier's RBI-single. One walk and another pitching change later, Designated Hitter Mateos Melkesian's single plated two more runs to tie the game, 5-5. Seibert, now that he had some support, closed the game with nine straight outs, while Cuesta's offense pounded on the door. Cuesta Third Baseman Mikey Bell doubled to leadoff the 8th inning and Cougars worked to get him home. He advanced to third on a single by Clothier and put the Cougars in front on Troy Mccain's Sacrifice Fly, 6-5. Seibert closed out the ninth against the top of the Tigers' order to seal the win. The Cougars are currently 2-1 on the season.
Cuesta Baseball heads to Costa Mesa next weekend for a three-game series against #4 Orange Coast. The Cougars, preseason ranked #8 and fresh off taking a series from #3 Riverside, play the Pirates on Thursday (1 PM), Friday (1 PM) and Saturday (Noon).
