Baseball takes series from Santa Ana

The Saddleback baseball team defeated Santa Ana College, 6-3, on Friday to take the series win over the Dons.  The Bobcats are now 17-4 overall.

Saddleback and Santa Ana finally received some warm weather after playing the first two games of the series in colder temperatures. The Bobcats responded well, rallying for the win to stay a game back in Orange Empire Conference play.

Saddleback trailed 2-0 after Santa Ana struck for two runs in the top half of the first inning, but quickly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning.  Jacob Naso singled to lead off the inning and eventually came home to score on a ground out from Isaiah Morales.  It was one of three hits on the day for Naso (pictured), who finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

Saddleback built a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning when they struck for two more runs to make the lead a bit more comfortable.  The big blow was a two-run single to right field from Zachary Schwartzberg to drive home Ben Castelli and Jason Hefft for a 6-2 advantage.

Saddleback used a committee approach on the mound, sending five guys to the hill throughout the game.  C.J. Zwahlen started and went four innings before giving way to Dylan Blakey.  Joshua Meekins, Blake Butcher and Nathan Helman all saw time as the pitching staff struck out seven while surrendering just one earned run.  Blakey pitched through the fifth inning to pick up his first win of the season.  Helman came in late to pick up his second save of the season.  

Saddleback is now 17-4 overall and 5-1 in Orange Empire Conference play.  The Bobcats are one game behind Riverside City College in the standings heading into the third week of conference play. 

Saddleback will play Orange Coast College (14-9, 1-5) next week in a three-game series.  The Bobcats will host games on Tuesday (2:00 PM) and Saturday (12:00 PM) while traveling to Costa Mesa on Thursday (2:00 PM).