Key unlocks door to OEC title

The Saddleback Gauchos defeated Fullerton College 14-1 on Thursday afternoon in Fullerton.  Domnique Key locked down the Hornets in cementing the Orange Empire Conference title.

The OEC title was never in doubt after it was announced on Thursday morning that Fullerton would have to forfeit 13 games during the course of the season.  Saddleback, however, wanted to make sure they did it the old fashion way with a dominating win between the lines.

The Gauchos did just that, exploding for 17 hits and sending a message to the coach's committee who will meet this weekend to decide the playoff seeds for the upcoming tournament.  Dallas Dey had the biggest day of all, finishing 4-for-5 with a couple of RBI and two runs-scored.  Jared Donahoe capped off a brilliant season with his team-leading eighth home run of the season.  Kent Burckle and Luke Jarvis continued their torrid pace with three hits apiece. 

As good as the offense was, the pitching was its equal.  Key started and pitched seven strong innings, improving to 6-0 on the season.  He eventually turned the ball over to the bullpen nursing an 8-1 lead, with Stephen Young and Logan Escudero both pitching an inning in relief.

For Saddleback (27-6, 17-3), it was the first conference title in baseball since 1998, when (then) head coach Jack Hodges led the Gauchos to a 39-12 overall finish with a 17-7 OEC record.  On that team was Nick Punto, a local product that spent 16 years in the major leagues. 

Saddleback and Fullerton will finish the regular season on Friday at Doug Fritz Field.  The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM.