6/16/11, Hart Park, Orange City, CA
The San Luis Obispo Blues (7-2 overall, 4-2 CCL) dropped a closely contested game 8-9 to the OC Pioneers (4-5, 4-5) on a mild Thursday night at Orange City's Hart Park. The Pioneers won by infielder Chad Wallach's walk off single in the bottom of the ninth giving Pioneers' righty Gavin Mills (1-0) the win.
The Blues came out of the gate firing, taking a 5-0 lead after the top of the third. Designated hitter Zac Elgie grounded in two runs while second baseman Alex Detz had 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and a walk. Also scoring twice was center fielder Brannon Champagne who finished the night reaching base three times and provided ninth inning heroics by singling in third baseman Dylan Gavin for the game-tying run. First baseman Wade Hinkle also contributed to the Blues' offense by going 3-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
The Blues' pitching staff combined for eight strikeouts, four belonging to relievers Vince Wheeland and Lars Ligouri. Wheeland pitched two innings and did not allow a walk while the left-handed Ligouri kept the Blues in the game by pitching a scoreless eighth. Starter Nick Grim went five innings and struck out four batters.
The Blues open a pivotal road series against the Santa Barbara Foresters (9-1, 5-1) tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is at 5:00 pm at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
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