Gauchos plead the fifth in latest win

The Saddleback baseball team found themselves in a strange position on Thursday when they fell behind in a game for the first time all year.  They quickly responded with three runs in the fifth inning to beat Cuesta College, 4-2.

Saddleback fell behind for the first time all season when Cuesta scored solo runs in the fourth and fifth innings, neither of which were earned.  The Gauchos then got angry, scoring three runs in the bottom half of the inning to put themselves back in a comfortable position. 

Jared Donahoe led off the inning with a solo home run to left-center field, igniting an offense that had only one hit through four innings.  Two batters later, Erik Voller singled, followed by a walk to Jack Kaloogian and another single by Kyle Candalla to load the bases with one out.  Kent Burckle then tied the score at 2-2 with a fielder's choice that was botched by the Cuesta infield.  Luke Jarvis followed with a sacrifice to right field and the Gauchos were back in business with a 3-2 lead. 

Saddleback added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Adam Gordon homered to right-center field for a 4-2 lead.  With a bullpen that has been red hot to start the season, it all but guaranteed the win for the Gauchos.  Domnique Key came on to close the door, retiring the Cougars in order as Saddleback improved to 6-0 on the season.

Saddleback and Cuesta will play again today at 1:00 PM at Doug Fritz Field.