The Pirates were able to hold off the San Diego Force and edge out a 7-6 victory in Thursday night’s game extra inning thriller.
It looked like Inland Valley had this one in the bag right out of the gate. Both shortstop Ryan Williams and catcher Kyle Harper recorded an RBI in the first inning to put the Pirates on the board first. The team’s starting first baseman, Jake Anderson, hit a home run in the second to add to the lead and put the Pirate’s up 3-0. Inland Valley would go on to score an additional run in the fourth, fifth an sixth inning, and had the Force right where they wanted them heading into the seventh, with a score of 6-3.
Then came the force behind San Diego.
The road team rallied from behind to score three runs in the seventh inning and give them a chance to stay alive.
Neither team could get things going by the end of regulation and the score remained tied 6-6 until the the 13th inning. With the bases loaded and just one out, designated hitter Bryce Willits took the final at bat for the Pirates, and hit a sacrifice fly to allow first baseman Jake Lacheman to make a play at home plate. In a close call, Lacheman was able to slide in safely at home to secure the run and the win for the Pirates.
This victory moves Inland Valley to the top of the standings of the SCCBL, as they sit at 5-3 in League play. They drop the Force down to second with a conference record of 6-4.
The Pirates make a road trip this weekend, taking on the Palm Springs Power at 7:00pm on both Friday and Saturday night.