The Inland Valley Pirates faced off against the SoCal Bombers in a battle resulting in a 9-8 win in game one of the series.
After the Bombers got on the board first in the first inning, the Pirates responded by scoring 3 runs in the second inning. The Pirates would continue to increase and hold their lead over the Bombers throughout the game. A big inning for the Pirates came in the sixth when the pirates scored 3 more runs. A leadoff walk for first baseman, Chase Wehesner (7) would start the momentum for his following teammates; Aaron Halpert (8), Nick Peifer (8) and Jake Anderson (13) contribute with big hits that bring in Wehesner, Halpert and Peifer to bring the Pirates’ lead to 9 runs. The Pirates hit rocky waters in the ninth when the Bombers responded to the comfortable lead the Pirates had by scoring 5 runs and cutting the deficit to just one run. Thankfully closer, Sean Dumser (29) held the Bombers to just 5 runs and was able to send the game and send his teammates home with a win.
The Pirates’ defense was something to be proud of today. With only two errors, the defense looked sharp; using good communication on the field and getting quick outs. Reliever, Trevor Jackson (10) got the job done today with 4 out of 5 scoreless innings.
Hot bats and solid defense led the Pirates to their eleventh win of the season and their ninth win in SCCBL conference play. With their eyes set on postseason play, the Pirates are in second place in the standings, just 1.5 games behind the Palm Springs POWER.
The Pirates will face the Bombers again tomorrow for game two of the series on July 6th at 7:00 pm at Amerige Park in Fullerton.