A Manarrific performance in Bakersfield

The Saddleback baseball team received a one-hitter from ace pitcher Evan Manarino on Thursday in winning 1-0 at Bakersfield College.  Manarino faced only one batter over the minimum in improving to 7-1 on the season.

Saddleback and Bakersfield were both ranked in the top-10 in Southern California entering the game when the Gauchos turned to their ace to see if he could get them a big win.  Manarino responded, surrendering just one hit to Renegade catcher Justin Martinez in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Martinez was then caught stealing in a run-down, and Manarino made it all the way to the bottom of the ninth inning facing the minimum amount of batters.  With one out remaining, he then hit pinch hitter Luc Pomales to put the potential winning run at the plate.  Manarino quickly struck out Aaron Newman to end the game, and the celebration was on. 

Bakersfield pitcher Darion Nunn was also on his game, giving up just seven hits through seven innings with the lone blemish coming in the second inning.  After Brandon Cody tripled to left field with one out, Mitchell Holland grounded out to the shortstop and Cody scored from third, giving the Gauchos the only run they would need.

Manarino stifled a Renegade lineup that entered the game batting .308 on the season.  He improved to 7-1 overall and saw his ERA drop to 1.63 in the process.

The win lifted Saddleback to 17-8 overall as they completed a three-day trip to the Central Valley by going 2-1.  The Gauchos will play again on Saturday when they host San Diego Mesa (8-13).  The first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.