Riverside — There are many words that could describe the opening game of the Southern California Regional between the Grossmont College Griffins and the Riverside Tigers. Wild, wacky, offensive, hecktic, long. However Coach Randy Abshier chose two different words. Unexpected slugfest.
When the lineup cards were handed in, they showed that Jake Sargent (co-Pitcher of the Year in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference) for the Griffins and David Butler (Pitcher of the Year in the Orange Empire Conference) were the starting pitchers. When you see two conference pitchers of the year facing each other, a pitchers' duel is what you would expect. Not a 12-9 slugfest that saw both pitchers exit before the end of the fourth inning.
As it turned out, it was the relievers that came out and stole the show. Dylan Vail for the Griffins (22-17) threw two and a third innings of one hit ball. Riverside's (30-11) Ryan Hernandez (3-0) threw four and a third innings of one hit, six strikeout ball to pick up the win.
Four Griffins (22-17) had multiple-hit games in the 12-hit outburst. The top of the order combined for a 6-for-13 with five runs, 2 runs batted in and a walk.
Grossmont jumped out to a quick lead with two runs in the top of the first inning. With one out, Zavien Watson reached on a two-base error. Kaleb Tedokon singled up the middle to bring home Watson. Two batters later, Luke Denos walked to put runners on first and second. Brodie Romero singled to right center to score Watson to close out the scoring in the first.
Jake Sargent got the start for the Green and Gold. It wasn't a good start for him as Riverside got six including two home runs.
GC came right back in the second to get three consecutive doubles as part of a three run inning. Jake Allen, Skyler Agnew and Ethan Caschetta all had two baggers. Watson singled through the left side to advance Caschetta to third. Caschetta would score on a wild pitch, which allowed Watson to move to third. That is where the rally would end as the Griffins hit into an unconventional 6-4-3-2 double play with outs at second and home.
The Green and Gold knocked the Orange Empire Conference pitcher of the year out of the game in the top of the third. Caschetta walked to lead the proceedings. Watson singled down the right field line pushing Caschetta to third. He would be out as he ran through the stop sign. Tedokon walked to put runners on first and second. A Sean McGrew single to center drove in Watson and moved Tedokon to second. It also chased the Tigers star pitcher. Denos tripled to right to score everyone and welcome the relief pitcher into the game. Luke would score during the next at bat on a wild pitch.
Riverside would go on to score two more in the sixth to close out the scoring.
Riverside and Grossmont will close out the series tomorrow. First game at Noon. Should the Griffins win that game, a third and deciding game will be at 2:30'ish.