Four not Enough, Saints Drop to Foresters

PASADENA, CA — The Arroyo Seco Saints (2-3) were unable to complete the comeback against the Santa Barbara Foresters (4-0) after climbing back to tie the game. The Foresters pulled ahead in the seventh inning, finishing with the score 6-4.

RHP Lincoln Lyons (Occidental College) was able to shut down the Foresters in the first and second inning. However, in the third Santa Barbara worked their small ball game to move runners into scoring position and relied on singles to drive runs in.

The Saints punched back immediately in the bottom of the third when shortstop Jacob Freer (Undecided) turned a double into an inside the park homerun on a throwing error, scoring leadoff hitter Brayden Flores (Loyola Marymount University) and Bryce Robinette (Undecided) after both being walked. 

This tied the game and created a new start for the Saints to capitalize on any opportunities that would be brought their way.

"Lefty throwing a lot of off-speed and spin. I picking a pitch out and just decided to sit on one. I got a pitch I can handle and drove it," Freer said.

Lyons ended his night in the fourth inning allowing four runs, four hits and one walk.

RHP Oscar Salazar (Undecided) was able to hold the Foresters after coming in to start the fifth inning until the seventh where Santa Barbara scored a pair of runs to put them ahead 6-4.

The Foresters had a total of four pitching changes to shut the Saints down for the rest of the game. This resulted in four one-two-three innings with six strikeouts after the third. 

Second baseman Dylan Immel (Undecided) was extremely involved in the Saints' defense, converting two 4-6-3 double plays.

In the eighth, Immel helped Salazar get out of an intense situation, converting a double play to get the Saints' offense back on the field.

"We're starting to play together every day. The more you play together, the more you trust each other and know just what to expect from each other," Immel said. "So I think we're just going down that progressive line."

Although the Saints were unable to claw back after tying the game, there was a lot of progress shown after facing a tough Foresters team.

Immel shared that with time, the team continues to grow closer after each game.

"I think it's a good group of guys, and we obviously have one common interest so it's easy to get to know everyone, and as you get to know people, you start talking more," Immel said.

After their off day, the Saints look to face the Academy Barons on Friday June 12, at Jackie Robinson Field with a 5:35 PM start time.

Contributors:

• Saints reporter: Leila El Sabbagh (University of La Verne)

•  Saints photographer: Dakota Gray