Game Notes
2009 Southern California Regional Playoffs- First Round
Game 2
Mt San Antonio 5, Cuesta 1
R H E
Cue 1 9 4
MSAC 5 8 0
Batteries- Cue: Todd Simko and Manny Reyes; MSAC: Doug Wogee, Juan Guerra (8), Ruben Diaz (9) and David Carrillo
W- Doug Wogee (3-1); L- Todd Simko (5-5)
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Game- LHP Todd Simko: 8IP 8H 5R 1ER 6K 0BB
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Game- SS Mike Miller: 3-5
Extra Base Hits
Cue: None
MSAC: None
Notes2- Sophomore Todd Simko pitched a gem in today's first game, but could not close out the Cuesta's series with Mt Sa Antonio. Simko hurled his team-leading fifth complete game of the season and allowed only one earned run, however the story was the unearned runs that the have haunted the Cougars all season. An error in the first inning led to an unearned run and two more in the second inning led to three more to put the Cougars in the hole 4-0. Simko remained focused and allowed only eight hits and walked none, while striking out six, with the Mounties manufactured their lone earned run in the sixth inning. Sadly the story this year has been that the Cougars have not provided much offensive or defensive support when Simko has taking the hill. He has a solid ERA of 3.73, yet ended his season with a 5-5 record and 22 unearned runs scored on his watch. The entire pitching staff for the slick fielding Mounties has only given up 25 unearned runs this season. Simko, who was saddled with a loss for the second time this season while going the distance, kept waiting for run support, but it was too little too late. The Cougars pushed across their lone run in the ninth inning of the 5-1 loss and forced a third game.
Game 3
Mt San Antonio 11, Cuesta 6
R H E
MSAC 11 16 1
Cue 6 10 2
Batteries- MSAC: Richard Martin, Ruben Diaz (5) and David Carrillo; Cue: Matt Kretchmer, Nick Ousman (7), Mike Nielebeck (8), Brendan Moe (9) and Jake Reed, Manny Reyes (7)
W- Ruben Diaz (7-2); L- Matt Kretchmer (5-2)
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Game- RHP Brendan Moe: 1IP 0H 0R 0ER 1K 0BB
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Game- 2B Ryan Aguayo: 3-5, R, 3RBI, 2B
Extra Base Hits
MSAC: 2B (Jonathan Peters 2, Bryan Nicholson, Vinnie Granados), HR (Doug Wogee)
Cue: 2B (Ryan Aguayo, Brett Hartman, Chad Reynolds)
Notes3- The Mounties scored a run in each of the first two innings and appeared to have the game in hand after a pair of RBI-doubles built their lead to 5-1 in the 5th inning, but Cuesta was not ready to concede the season. The Cougars slugged a pair of their own RBI-doubles, by Brett Hartman and Ryan Aguayo, in their half of the fifth inning and tied the game in the sixth when Ty Muller was plated by Zach Steele's base-hit. The season lay in the balance for both teams with just three innings left to play and the score tied a 5-5. A one-out walk followed by a RBI-double by the Mounties Bryan Nicholson chased Cuesta Starter Matt Kretchmer in the seventh inning and gave the Mounties back the lead. Reliever Nick Ousman came in for Kretchmer trying to squelch the rally and struckout the first batter he face. The Cougars then intentionally walked left-hander hitting Third Baseman Vinnie Granados to have Ousman face right-hander Doug Wogee. Wogee blew open the game with a three-run home run to give the Mounties a 9-5 lead that they would never surrender. They would add a run in both the eight and ninth inning to build their lead to 11-5, while the Cougars offense sputtered for two innings before chalking one more tally in the bottom of the ninth. The Cougars season ended in the 11-6 defeat.
Game 1 Cuesta 4, Mt San Antonio 3
Game 2 Mt San Antonio 5, Cuesta 1
Game 3 Mt San Antonio 11, Cuesta 6 (Cuesta Eliminated)
Cuesta 30-16
Mt San Antonio 30-16
Next- The Cougars season is over.
2009 Southern California Regional Playoffs- First Round
#3 Cuesta 4, #14 Mt San Antonio 3
W- Joey Parsons (9-1); L- Shane Youngdale (4-4)
Batteries- MSAC: Shane Youngdale and David Carrillo; Cue: Joey Parsons and Jake Reed, Manny Reyes (9)
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 9IP 8H 3R 3ER 8K 1BB
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- 1B Brett Hartman: 2-3, 2R, 2RBI, HR, BB
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day2- DH Ty Muller: 2-3, 2RBI, 2B
Cuesta 30-14
Mt San Antonio 28-16
Extra Base Hits
MSAC: 2B (Bryan Nicholson, Jonathan Peters)
Cue: 2B (Ryan Aguayo, Ty Muller), HR (Brett Hartman)
Notes- Brett Hartman picked a great time for his first home run of the year, with one out in the bottom of the ninth of his first collegiate playoff game. Hartman's blast provided the difference in #3 Cuesta's 4-3 win over #14 Mt San Antonio and gives them the momentum going into second game of the series tomorrow at 11 AM. The Cougars took an early 2-0 lead in today's contest on Designated Hitter Ty Muller two-rbi double in the second inning, but the Mounties Shane Youngdale settled down at after that and ran through the Cuesta line up efficiently scattering four hits over the next six innings. His teammates finally got to Cuesta Starter Joey Parsons in the sixth inning and turned three hits into a tie ballgame 2-2. The next innings the Mounties took the lead after JC Torres led of with a single and moved around on a sacrifice and two wild pitches by Parsons for a 3-2 lead. Two innings later the Cougars situation appeared dire as they headed into the bottom of the ninth without having a runner reach second base since the third inning. Leftfielder Brad Decater lifted a bloop single into leftfield to lead off the inning and was sacrificed to second by Jacob Domingos to set up Hartman. Hartman, facing an 0-2 count, ended the game by slugging Youngdale's next offering over the left-center field fence for the 4-3 victory. The late pyrotechnics supplied by Hartman, overshadowed the day's pitching duel as both Parsons and Youngdale worked complete games. Both hurlers allowed eight hits, while Parsons also struckout eight Mounties to Youngdale's five Cougars.
Next- The Cougars will play Game 2 of the best of three first round series tomorrow at 11 AM. Game 3 will follow if needed. All playoff games will be webcast at http://www.network1sports.com/schools/cuesta.asp
Gm 1 Cuesta 4, Mt San Antonio 3
Gm 2 Cuesta-Mt San Antonio 11 AM
Gm 3 Cuesta-Mt San Antonio 3 PM (If needed)
Cuesta Baseball
Cuesta 6, Santa Barbara 5
W- Nick Ousman (3-1); L- Joe McGrew
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- 3B Chad Reynolds: 2-4, 3RBI, BB
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Nick Ousman: 0.2IP 0H 0R 0ER 0K 0BB
Extra Base Hits
SBCC: 2B (Sean Costella)
Cue: 3B (Jacob Domingos)
Notes- Third Baseman Chad Reynolds blooped a single into shallow right field to end the Cougars 2009 regular season and build momentum for next weekend's 2009 Southern California Regional Playoffs. Reynolds, a .390 hitter with runners in scoring position, delivered in the clutch as he has all year. The sophomore right-hander faced a 3-1 count with two outs, the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and his team down 5-4. His base-hit plated Ryan Agauyo and Brad Decater and gave the Cougars a win in their final regular season game with a 6-5 win over Santa Barbara City. The Cougars lost at Moorpark yesterday and appeared to be heading into the playoffs with a two-game losing streak, but they will march into their 14th straight post-season with the confidence built off a pressure filled comeback victory in dismal conditions. It never rained hard today, but the constant drizzle never let up as the Cougars and Vaqueros closed out the 2009 regular season. The Vaqueros took a 2-0 in the 2nd inning on Shortstop Zack Chavez's two-rbi single, but the Cougars tied it in the 3rd and added a run in each of the next two innings to take a 4-2 lead. Cuesta's Starting Pitcher Joey Parsons cruised through the Vaqueros, after his 2nd inning hiccup, but tired in 7th. The Vaqueros put together a walk and a pair base-hits to leadoff the inning and tie the game. Reliever Matt Kretchmer replaced Parsons and stranded a runner a third to close out the inning, however he gave up the lead the next inning on Sean Costella's RBI double. Kretchmer pitched into the 9th and was lifted for Nick Ousman after a one-out single. Ousman set down both batters he faced and set the stage for Reynolds bottom of the 9th heroics.
Next- The Cougars are ranked #5 in Southern California and are expecting to earn one of the top eight seeds and host a first round Southern California Regional Playoff series next weekend Friday and Saturday.
Cuesta Baseball
Cuesta 10, Allan Hancock 7
W- Mike Nielebeck (3-1); L- Joey Green; S- Joey Parsons (1)
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- 2B Ryan Aguayo: 4-5 2R, 3RBI, 22B, HR
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day (2)- SS Mike Miller: 3-5, 2R, 2RBI
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 2.2IP 0H 0R 0ER 5K 0BB
Extra Base Hits
AHC: 2B (Chris Mallory, Seth Hockaday, Dave Anderson)
Cue: 2B (Ryan Aguayo 2, Brad Decater, Brett Hartman), HR (Ryan Aguayo)
Notes- The Cuesta College baseball team successfully defended its 2008 Western State Conference crown with a title clinching victory over local rival Allan Hancock. This season marks the 15th conference title won by Cuesta and the fifth in Head Coach Bob Miller's seven years at the helm. The Bulldogs, who remain in second place in the loop, needed to beat the Cougars today to keep their title hopes alive and jumped out early with three runs in the top of the first and a 5-1 lead by the time the Cougars came up to bat for the second time. Both starting pitchers, Joey Green for Allan Hancock and Matt Kretchmer for Cuesta, struggled with their control (combined ten walks) and were knocked out of the game by the fourth inning, however the Cougars had crept back into the lead at that point, 6-5. Second Baseman Ryan Aguayo led the Cougars offensive effort and constantly kept the Cougars in the game. He crushed a home run in the first inning, to answer the Bulldogs three-run first, and also drove in runs in the second and third innings. In the 5th innings, following his second double of the game, Agauyo scored on Zach Steele's base-hit to give the Cougars an 8-5 lead and provide the deciding run in the 10-7 win. Reliever Mike Nielebeck retired nine of the first ten Allan Hancock batsman he faced, but a couple of seeing-eye base hits to start off the seventh frame forced Coach Miller to go back to the pen. Two pitchers later Miller brought in Ace Joey Parsons, who recorded eight straight outs, including five strikeouts, to pick up his first save of the year. The victory over the Bulldogs also clinched the Cougars 14th consecutive trip to the post-season and they will find out this weekend if they will host the first round of the Southern California Playoffs for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons. The 2009 Southern California Regional Playoffs begin next Saturday. Cuesta is 28-13 overall and clinched the WSC title with an 18-5 mark against the loop- with two to play.
Next- Cuesta will play at Moorpark on Thursday (2:30) and then end the regular season at home against Santa Barbara on Friday (2:30)
Cuesta 6, Oxnard 1
W- Todd Simko (5-3); L- JC Aguayo
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- CF Danny Poma: 2-4 , R, RBI, 22B
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- LHP Todd Simko: 9IP 7H 1R 1ER 13K 2BB
Extra Base Hits
Oxn: HR (Zac McDonell)
Cue: 2B (Danny Poma 2)
Notes- Starting pitchers JC Aguayo and Todd Simko both hurled complete games in a pitchers dual won by Simko. Agauyo made two errors that led directly to three Cuesta runs, but otherwise kept the Cougars offense in check. His first inning error on a pick off play to first base moved Ryan Aguayo to third, where he eventually scored on a two out base-hit by Jacob Domingo. Cuesta Danny Poma's double in the third inning gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead, but Agauyo sent down seven straight Cuesta batsman after that. In the 6th inning the Cougars connected for four straight hits, including Poma's second double, which accounted for two more runs. However before the inning was over the Cougars would blow open the game, they added two more when both Ty Muller, off third, and Chad Reynolds, off first, were caught in a pickle. Both scored on Agauyo's second throwing error and gave Cuesta a 6-0 lead. In the meantime, Simko scattered seven Oxnard hits and struckout a season-high 13 batters. Catcher Zac McDonell slugged a win-aided home run with one out in the 8th inning to put the Condors on the board, but Simko rallied back to strikeout four of the next five Condors he faced to close out the game. The victory was the second of the week for Simko, who improve to 5-3 on the season. He also leads the Cuesta pitching staff with four complete games. The Cougars are 27-13 on the year and remain in first place in the Western State Conference with a 17-5 mark against the loop.
Next- #5 Cuesta will host #14 Allan Hancock on Tuesday (4.28.09)
Cuesta 5, Santa Barbara 4
W- Todd Simko (4-3); L- Zack Edgington
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- SS Mike Miller: 3-5, 2R RBI, 3B
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- LHP Matt Kretchmer: 7IP 3H 3R 0ER 5K 1BB
Extra Base Hits
SBCC: HR (Steven Keller)
Cue: 2B (Chad Reynolds, Ryan Aguayo), 3B (Mike Miller)
Notes- Errors plagued the Cougars all day as Santa Barbara nearly stole away a second straight game thanks to five Cuesta errors and four unearned runs. Left-hander Matt Kretchmer shut the Vaqueros out for six innings, but in the seventh an infield error extended the inning and provided a runner for Steven Keller's two-run home run. Keller's blast closed the gap to 3-2 and when the eighth inning began with another error and another unearned run, Kretchmer was relieved by Nick Ousman and then Todd Simko. Simko lost the save opportunity after a two-out error put Zack Chavez on first. Simko then caught Chavez off first base, but Chavez made for second base and was wound up safe at third on a throwing error. The Vaqueros tied the game at 4-4 on a base-hit by Jacob Trimple that plated Chavez. Simko got out of the inning without another run and left it up to the offense in the bottom of the ninth inning. Shortstop Mike Miller slapped a one-out base-hit and then scored the winning run when Ryan Agauyo followed with a game-winning double for the 5-4 win. The Cougars are 25-13 on the year and remain in first place in the Western State Conference with a 15-5 mark against the loop.
BASEBALL
Cuesta 15, Moorpark 0
W- Joey Parsons (7-1); L- Cliff Quick
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- CF Danny Poma: 1-2, 3R, 3RBI, HR, 2HP, K
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day (2)- SS Mike Miller: 2-5, 2R, 2RBI, 2B, SF
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 8IP 5H 0R 0ER 10K 0BB
Extra Base Hits
MPK: None
Cue: 2B (Mike Miller, Brad Decater, Jake Reed), HR (Jacob Domingos, Danny Poma)
Notes- Starting Pitcher Joey Parsons rolled through the Moorpark Raiders and left the game with a five-hit shutout after eight innings. Parsons struckout ten Raiders, beaned two and was also able to strand three runners at third base to preserve the whitewash. He left the game after throwing 118 pitches and was replaced by Mike Nieleback, who closed out the shutout with a scoreless ninth. The Cuesta offense made sure that Parsons could pitch with comfort and tacked up 15 runs on five different pitchers. Shortstop Mike Miller, who has missed the previous five games with an injury, led the game off with a double and set the tone for the game after scoring on wild pitch to provide the eventual winning run. Miller joined Rightfielder Jacob Domingos (2-5) and Designated Hitter Ty Muller (2-4) as they all enjoyed multi-hit games as part of the Cougars 12-hit onslaught. Centerfielder Danny Poma and the man to his right, Leftfielder Brad Decater, each drove in three runs on the day. Poma, who also scored three times, smacked a two-run home run in the third inning and was smacked by bases loaded fastball in the seventh to drive in his third run. Decater drove in all his runs on a bases loaded bingle in the second inning. The Cougars remain in first place in the Western State Conference with a 14-4 mark against the loop. They are 24-12 overall.
BASEBALL
Cuesta 21, Cerritos 20 (11 inn)
W- Jake Reed (1-0); L- Efren Gutierrez
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- SS Brad Decater: 6-6, 5R, 4RBI, 32B, 3B, HP
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day (2)- RF Jacob Domingos: 4-5, 3R, 3RBI, 2B, 3B, 2BB, 2SB, K
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Jake Reed: 5.2IP 6H 4R 1ER 4K 0BB
Cerritos Hitter of the day- 2B Joe Terry: 5-6, 5R, 5RBI, 3B, 2HR
Notes- It took three and a half hours, 47 hits, eight pitchers and plenty of wounded baseballs to determine the final game of the Hancock/Cuesta Easter Tournament between #5 Cuesta and #14 Cerritos. The game ended with two outs in the bottom of the eleventh inning on an RBI base-hit by Cuesta Third Baseman Chad Reynolds. The single drove in Shortstop Brad Decater for the Cougars 21st and the games 41st run. It was a big day for Decater, who got a hit in each of his six at bats and attributed to nine of the Cougars runs by either knocking in a teammate or scoring on his own. Cuesta smacked 25 hits in the contest and 13 of those were for extra base hits. The Falcons did their share of hitting as well, with 22 hits and eight for extra bases. Cerritos Second Baseman Joe Terry constantly kept the Falcons in the game and his ninth inning home run, his second of the day, sent the game to extra innings. Cuesta's Jake Reed, a converted catcher making his first appearance of the year on the mound, gave up the ninth inning gopher ball to Terry, but avoided him in the eleventh. Terry was on deck when David Neff reached on an error to load the bases, but the Falcons Jay Mayoral got caught rounding third and the put out ended the inning. Decater scored in the bottom of the inning for the win. Decater picked his sixth hit of the day with two outs, moved to second on a base-hit by Jacob Domingos and Reynolds sent him home on the next play for the 21-20 win. The Cougars are now 23-12 on the year.
Next- Cuesta returns to its Western State Conference schedule next week and will host Moorpark on Thursday (2:30)
BASEBALL
Cuesta 11, Cypress 5
W- Joey Parsons (6-1); L- Jayson Huett
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- SS Brad Decater: 3-5, 2R, 6RBI, 2B, HR, K
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 8IP 9H 5R 3ER 5K 5BB
Notes- #5 Cuesta beat #4 Cypress on the second day of the Hancock/Cuesta Easter Tournament and gained a measure of revenge for their February loss in Cypress. The Cougars jumped out early thanks to a pair of errors by the Chargers in the second inning. The Cougars scored six unearned runs in that inning, capped by Shortstop Brad Decater's 3-RBI double. Cypress came back and scored three runs off Cuesta starter Joey Parsons in the top of the third, thanks in part to a two-run homer by First Baseman Stephen Kaupang, but Decater answered with a three-run homer in the fourth to keep the game out of reach. Parsons pitched into the ninth inning, but was lifted after a leadoff walk. Reliever Matthew Estrada got the first two outs and then Mike Nielebeck froze Pinch Hitter Travis Garrett on a called third strike to end the game. The Cougars are now 22-12 on the year. Shortstop Brad Decater was 3-for-5 and was the only Cuesta player to enjoy a multi-hit game. he was a triple short of hitting for the cycle and drove in a season-high six runs.
Next- Cuesta will wrap up the Hancock/Cuesta Easter Tournament with a noon game tomorrow (4.9.09) against Cerritos.
BASEBALL
Cuesta 10, LA Harbor 7
W- Nick Ousman (2-1); L- Phillip McKee
Cuesta Hitter Day- CF Danny Poma: 2-5, R, 5RBI, 2B, HR, 2K
Cuesta Pitcher of the Day- RHP Nick Ousman: 2.2IP 1H 0R 0ER 3K 0BB
Notes- Cuesta continued to struggle defensively and turned a solid outing by Starter Matt Kretchmer into a potential loss. The Cougars committed four errors and provided #24 LA Harbor with four unearned runs. Kretchmer was lifted in the seventh inning, trailing 7-4, and replaced by Reliever Nick Ousman, who was making his first appearance in over a month. Ousman enjoyed his finest outing of the season by holding the Seahawks for the rest of the game, while striking out three. Despite Ousman's brilliance the Cougars entered the ninth inning trailing by three runs but a leadoff single by Centerfielder Zach Steele and RBI-double by Second Baseman Ryan Agauyo gave the Cougars a chance. The brought Reliever Phillip McKee in to shutdown the Cougars, but trouble started after he got his first man out. Shortstop Brad Decater smacked a base-hit and then was safe at second on a throwing error on Rightfielder Jacob Domingos fielder's choice, which also scored Aguayo to pull the Cougars within one run. McKee struckout Chad Reynolds for the second out, which would have meant the game if not for the error on the previous play. He then beaned Designated Hitter Ty Muller to load the bases. The Seahawks the brought in William Loza to pitch to Centerfielder Danny Poma, who had a RBI-double in the third inning, but struckout looking in his two previous at bats. Poma watched the first two pitches whiz past him for called strikes and Loza wasted the third pitch for a ball. Loza hung a breaking ball on the next pitch and Poma came to life with a crushing blow that sent the ball over the leftfield fence for a game-winning grand slam home run. Ousman picked up the win in his return as the Cougars came back, after two late inning losses in their previous two games, to beat LA Harbor 10-7.
Next- #5 Cuesta will host #4 Cypress at 2 PM tomorrow (4.9.09)
Allan Hancock 15, Cuesta 11
Batteries- AHC: Chance Daskauskas, Chuck Buchanan (7), Sheldon Lechuga (8) and Corey Dotzler; Cue: Matt Kretchmer, Bendan Moe (5), Richie Mirowski (7), Joey Parsons (8), Mike Nielebeck (8), Manny Reyes (9) and Ty Muller
W- Chuck Buchanan; Richie Mirowski (1-1); S- Sheldon Lechuga
Allan Hancock
2B (Corey Dotzler, Skyler Ellis)
Cuesta
2B (Jacob Domingos, Chad Reynolds, Jordan Kochevar), 3B (Danny Poma, Ty Muller)
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- RF Jacob Domingos: 2-5, 3R, 2RBI, 2B, K
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- LHP Matt Kretchmer: 4.2IP 6H 7R 1ER 7K 4BB
Notes- It was a wild day at Cuesta as the Cougars took on their rival Bulldogs. Allan Hancock stuck first and opened a 3-1 lead by the time Cuesta came up to bat for the third time. However the Cougars batted around in that third inning to take a 7-3 lead. The Bulldogs got their chance to bat around the order in the fifth inning and tied the game at 7-7. Cuesta was able to scratch out runs in the sixth and seventh innings to take another lead, but the Bulldogs batted around again with six runs in their half of the eighth to take a 13-9 lead. Cuesta closed the gap to 13-11 heading into the ninth, but could get no closer. The Bulldogs added a pair in the top of the ninth and then Closer Sheldon Lechuga set the Cougars down in order for the save. The back and forth was only half of the story as the two teams combined for ten errors on the day to go with 26 runs and 25 hits. The Bulldogs also had the added bonus receiving ten walks from Cuesta six pitchers. Cuesta is now 11-10 on the year and 4-2 in the Western State Conference.
Next- Cuesta will play at Moorpark on Thursday (3/12) at 2:30. The game will be webcast on homefieldsports.com
CUESTA BASEBALL
Cuesta 15, Oxnard 6
W- Joey Parsons (4-1); L- Joey Jaurez
Cuesta Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 6IP 5H 2R 2ER 5K 2BB
Cuesta Hitting Stat of the Day- RF Jacob Domingos: 4-5, 3R 2RBI, 2B, 2SB
Notes- The Cougars improved to 10-8 on the year with a 15-6 win over Oxnard. The victory also moved them to 4-0 in the Western State Conference, where they are the last remaining undefeated team against the loop. Cuesta jumped out early with five hits and four runs in their half of the first inning and Ace Joey Parsons did his part by keeping the Condors quiet until the sixth inning. The Cougars capped the game with seven runs in the eighth inning to end any hopes the Condors had of creeping up in the last few innings.
Next- Cuesta will play at Allan Hancock on Saturday (1 PM)
Cuesta 5, Saddleback 0
Saddleback 9, Cuesta 6
Pitching Stat of the Day- RHP Joey Parsons: 9IP 6H 0R 0ER 3K 1BB
Hitting Stat of the Day- C Ty Muller: 3-5, 2RBI, 22B, 3BB, SF
Notes: Cuesta baseball split a doubleheader with Saddleback on their final weekend before Western State Conference play begins. The COugars won the opener behind Starting Pitcher Joey Parsons, who authored a complete game shutout of the Gauchos. Parsons struckout three and allowed six hits to complete the whitewash. Centerfielder Danny Poma capped the Cougars win offensively with a two-run home run in the eighth inning that solidified the 5-0 final score. In Game 2 the Gauchos took advantage of the Cougars defense to sqeak out a run in each of the firs two innings, but it took until the sixth inning to knock Cuesta starter Todd Simko from the game. The Cougars were behind 7-0 when Coach Bob Miller lifted Simko, but the Cougars bats got started after that and nearly pulled off the comeback. Centerfielder Zach Steele represented the tying run at the plate before grounding into a fielder's choice to end the game. A solo home run by Second Baseman Ryan Aguayo ignited the Cougars ninth inning rally and was followed by a three-run homer by Leftfielder Brad Decater in the 9-6 loss. The Cougars are now 7-8 on the year.
Next: Cuesta will host Sequoias tomorrow at 1 PM in their final game before beginning Western State Conference play in Ventura next Thursday.
Ohlone 12, Cuesta 6
Notes- Home runs by Ohlone's Zack and Jeff Johnson set the tone for a Renegade win. The Cuesta pitching struggled with the Renegade batters allowing several free passes that led to runs. The Cougars walked six batsmen and beaned six more and were always working with runners on base. At the plate the Cougars claimed the lead with a four-run fourth inning, but did not put together another multi-hit inning the rest of the game. Rightfielder Jacob Domingos and Third Baseman Chad Reynolds both enjoyed two-hit days for Cuesta. Reynolds is 9-for-16 in his last three games and raised his season average to a team-high .417. The Cougars are now 6-6 on the season.
Next- Cuesta plays a doubleheader tomorrow against Hartnell (10 AM) and Canyons (2 PM)
Cuesta 6, Santa Ana 4
Notes: Cuesta beat #1 Santa Ana 6-4 on the final day a frequently adjusted and rain soaked Pepsi Classic. The two teams combined to commit nine errors on a wet field on a overcast day. The top ranked Dons' Marcus Piazzisi scored following two hits after leading the game off with a walk and latter smashed a two-run home run to knock Cuesta Starter Joey Parsons out of the game in the seventh. Parsons battled his way through six-plus innings and made his third quality start for the Cougars this year, but only improved to 1-0 on the season. 2008 All-WSC Reliever Matthew Estrada allowed only one unearned run the rest of the way and saved the game for Parsons. The Cuesta offense took advantage of every Santa Ana miscue. Five of the Cougars six runs were unearned during the fourth and fifth inning. Leftfielder Brad Decater was 2-for 4 with two runs and a RBI, while First Baseman Brett Hartman was 2-for-3 with two runs and a RBI. The Cougars are now 5-4 on the season.
Next: Cuesta plays a two game set at Riverside on Monday and Tuesday and then co-hosts the Hancock Tournament next weekend.
Notes- The Cuesta Cougars used their homefield advantage to trump an amazing comeback by Orange Coast with a comeback of their own. Cuesta starting pitcher Joey Parsons, making his second start of the week, and OCC ace Brett Wallach duel for seven innings as the two hurlers breezed through each others line ups. Parsons scattered four hits and allowed only one run after Centerfielder Mykal Stokes hit his second triple in the fifth inning. Wallach was also vicitimized by a pair of leadoff triples. Cuesta Designated Hitter scored after leading off the game with a three-bagger and Centerfielder Danny Poma was plated on a sacrifice fly after leading the sixth inning off with a triple.
In the top of the eighth inning Parsons gave way to Closer Nick Ousman, who picked up a save in the season opener, and he enjoyed a 1-2-3 inning and Wallach was relieved Andy Abrams, who got through his half of the frame with similar ease. It was in the ninth inning that this pitchers duel gave way to the hitters. Orange Coast's Ryan Sheeks led off the inning with a base-hit and moved to second on a sacrifice. The with two outs Designated Hitter Scott Stidham was intentionally walked. The Pirates then sent in pinch hitter Gary Detwiler, who hit his second pinch-hit home run of the three-game series to give the pirates a 4-2 lead and plenty of momementum. The Bucs excitement may have hurt them in the long run as Cuesta Catcher Ty Muller reached on a error to lead off the bottom of the ninth and was followed by a base-hit by Third baseman Chad Reynolds. The Pirates brought in their Closer Scott Hong, who earned the save in the series first game. Hong walked Second Baseman Ryan Aguayo to load the bases, but then struckout Jacob Domingos for the innings first out. First baseman Brett Hartman followed with a two-RBI base-hit to tie the game and left the Cougars with runners at first and second. Poma then grounded to shortstop, the Pirates tried to turn a double-play, but First Baseman Kevin Clark could not dig Second Baseman Alonzo Torres' throw out of the dirt. The error kept the Cougars inning alive and allowed Aguayo, who was running on the hit to round third and score the winning run. The Cougars are 3-2 on the year.
Next- Cuesta will play at Cypress on Tuesday (2.3.09) and then host the Pepsi Classic On Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Cuesta 12, Orange Coast 3
Notes- Freshman Right-hander Mike Nielebeck took the mound for his first appearance of the year for the Cougars and never left. Nielebeck hurled a complete game as the Cougars defeated the Orange Coast Pirates in the second game of their three game series. He set the first eight Pirates down in order and did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. In the sixth inning Centerfielder Gary Detwiler led off with a home run and Rightfielder Kris Martin followed with a double off the wall, but Cuesta Coach Bob Miller let Nielebeck work through the inning, partially because he was sitting on a 10-0 lead. Martin scored before the inning was over, but that was all the Bucs could muster off the freshman until they plated an unearned run in the eighth inning.
Leftfielder Brad Decater led the Cuesta offense with a 2-for-5 performance that including 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. The Cougars got things started early with three runs in their first keyed by one of the most dramatic plays of this or any year. The Cougars had already banked two runs, but with two out and the bases loaded the Cougars attempted a triple-steal as Designated Hitter Ty Muller stole home as each runner advanced. The Cougars did not score again that inning, but set the tone for the game as they scored ten runs in the first three frames.
Next- Cuesta will wrap up its five game season opening homestand with their third game against Orange Coast tomorrow at noon.
Orange Coast 8, Cuesta 7
Notes- The Cuesta Cougars and Orange Coast Pirates engaged in a slugfest in the first game of the three games series at Cuesta with the Pirates coming out on top 8-7. The two teams combined for 29 hits in the game, including a dozen extra base knocks. Orange Coast Starter Chris Lincon picked up the win despite allowing seven runs in 6.1 innings of work. The Bucs held a 6-2 lead halfway through the sixth inning, but Jacob Domingos two-run home run closed that gap and began the Cougars comeback. Designated Hitter Scott Stidham gave Orange Coast some breathing room with a herculean blast in the seventh inning that proved to be the difference in the game, 8-4. Cuesta Second Baseman Ryan Aguayo brought the Cougars within one with his own home run following the stretch, but the Cougars failed to take the lead and stranded six runners over the last three frames. Cuesta is now 1-2 on the year.
Next- Cuesta will host the Pirates tomorrow (1.30.09) at 2 PM and the two teams will wrap up the series at noon on Saturday.
Riverside 4, Cuesta 2
W- Matt Lollis (W, 1-0)
L- Todd Simko (L, 0-1)
S- Scott Marisnick (S, 1)
Extra Base Hits
Cue: 2B (Danny Poma)
Hitting Performance of the Day: CF Danny Poma 2-2, R, 2B
Pitching Performance of the Day: LHP Todd Simko 6IP 8H 3R 1ER 5K 4BB
Notes: Left-hander Todd Simko continuously fought his way out of jams for six innings. He allowed eight hits and walked another four runners, but still allowed only one earned run before giving way to Matthew Estrada in the seventh innings. Estrada pitched a solid three innings, but the two were victimized by an offense that connected for only three hits on the day. Centerfielder Danny Poma had two of he Cougars three hits, including a double to lead off the third inning that set up the cougars first run. Cuesta is now 1-1 on the season after splitting their opening series with Riverside.
Next: The Cougars will host Orange Coast tomorrow at 2 PM
Cuesta 6, Riverside 2
W- Brendan Moe (w, 1-0)
L- Adrian Mendoza (L, 0-1)
S- Nick Ousman (s, 1)
Extra Base Hits
RCC: 2B (Richie Jimenez, Tanner Hoechlin)
Cue: 2B (Mike Miller), 3B (Chad Reynolds)
Hitting Performance of the Day- 3B Chad Reynolds 3-4, 3B, 2 RBI
Pitching Performance of the Day- RHP Nick Ousman 3IP 0H 0R 0ER 3K 2BB
Notes: The Cougars jumped out in the first inning of the year with a double by Shortstop Mike Miller, he later scored on a sacrifice fly to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. However Riverside picked up a pair of runs off Cuesta starter Joey Parsons to take the lead in the third frame. Catcher Mike Neff battled for eight pitches before connecting on a two-run single to put the Tigers on the board. Parsons would regain his composure after the hit and held the Tigers until Brendan Moe replace him to begin the sixth inning. The score remained 2-1 Riverside until the bottom of that inning, when the Miller ignited another rally with a one-out base hit that led to four Cuesta runs and knocked Riverside starter Adrian Mendoza from the game. The Cougars added an insurance run in the 8th inning on Third Baseman Chad Reynolds rbi triple. Cuesta Fireman Nick Ousman held Riverside hitless over the final three innings to pick up the save.
Next: The Cougars will play Riverside tomorrow at 1 PM.
Bob begins his seventh season as head baseball coach at Cuesta College. Under Miller’s guidance the Cougars have continued the programs rich tradition and success. The Cougars have advanced into playoffs for thirteen years in a row and have won ten of the last dozen Western State Conference titles. Miller began his career at Cuesta with back-to-back conference titles and he was named the 2003 WSC Coach of the Year after his first season. Miller has also continued Cuesta’s tradition as a launching pad for talented student-athletes; 34 of his sophomores have moved on to study and play at the four-year level, while three have jumped straight to the professional ranks.