Gauchos beat Vaqueros for 9-2 start

The Saddleback baseball team picked up its third straight win with a 3-1 decision over Glendale College on Thursday in Glendale.   The Gauchos return home on Friday to face Chaffey College.

Saddleback had ace Tanner Brubaker on the hill and with Glendale entering at 7-3 it figured to be a good duel.  The two teams didn't disappoint as they were scoreless heading into the sixth inning.

Saddleback broke through in the top half of the sixth when Brett Auerbach doubled with one out and was later brought home on a sacrifice fly from Brett O'Toole.  It was one of three hits on the night for Auerbach (pictured), who reached base in all four at-bats.

Saddleback widened the lead to 3-0 in the seventh inning after Glendale pulled its starter in order to go to the bullpen.  Spencer Heinsius greeted reliever Cameron Gaskill with a single to start the inning.  He was quickly advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Riley Kasper, giving Saddleback a runner in scoring position.  The Gauchos again responded as Connor Glenn delivered a single for a 2-0 lead.  Two batters later, Jo-Jo Quintanilla opened up the lead to 3-0 when he doubled home Glenn with two outs in the inning.

Three runs would be enough for Saddleback with Brubaker on the hill.  The flamethrower would pitch into the ninth inning before leaving with one out in the inning, finishing with six strikeouts and one walk in improving to 4-0.  Connor Sealey came on to finish the game and pick up the save after Brubaker gave up his fist run of the game.  Sealey started by hitting a Glendale batter before getting Konnor Piotto to hit into a double-play to end the game, earning his third save of the season.

Saddleback (9-2) will be back home on Friday to face Chaffey College.  The first pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM at Doug Fritz Field.