POMONA, CA — The Inland Valley Pirates (1-0, 1-0) shutout out the High Desert Heat (3-2, 1-2) 6-0 in their first ever Southern California Collegiate Baseball League game.
Utilizing eight different pitchers the Pirates kept the Heat off balance striking out 11 and allowing just two hits. Both hits for the Heat came on singles by Aaron Cisneros.
Nathan Virgen broke a scoreless a tie in the fifth inning with an RBI sacrifice fly to right field following a lead off double by Alec Morabito. Morabito moved to third on a single by AJ David.
Cory Davis picked up the win with a strong fifth inning including two strikeouts. In the ninth inning, leading by six, Cody Ponce came out of the bullpen and slammed the door shut in dominant fashion striking out the side in order.
Justin Soma entered the game for the Heat in the sixth inning and struggled to find his control. Grady Espinosa led off the inning with a walk, the then stole second before coming into score on an RBI double by Anthony Virgen. Rodnee Little also walked and scored in the inning leaving the score 4-0 in favor of the Pirates.
Christian Kelley dazzled with the glove behind the plate while going 2-for-3 from the plate and scoring one of two runs in the eighth that put the Pirates up 6-0.
Following the big league win the Pirates will look to take their momentum into Palm Springs as they play a four-game series starting on Friday against the undefeated Power (10-0).
Listen live at sccbaseball.com to the Heat’s next game at Victor Valley College against the Riverside Rebels at 1 p.m. in what should be another tremendous SCCBL game.