Coast Crush Ballers to Begin Second Half on High-Note

LONG BEACH, CA – The Long Beach Coast (38-11) whirled to a 12-4 victory over the Oakland Ballers (22-27) on Tuesday night thanks to center fielder Emilio Corona’s sixth-inning go-ahead homer. Beginning the second half in a similar vein to the first, Long Beach struck first en route to victory.

The First Half-Champion Coast leapt ahead with left fielder Eddy Pelc’s third-inning double. After Oakland mounted back-to-back multi-run innings, Pelc would wind up as the only home batter to remain on the bench during the four-run sixth.

Designated hitter Cuba Bess knocked in an RBI ground out for the second out of the inning before second baseman Jacob Jablonski slugged an RBI single. Following Jablonski’s jab, Corona crushed the go-ahead homer.

The L.B.C. extended its advantage with three runs in the eighth. Right fielder Matthew Bardowell bashed a two-run double, his second two-bagger of the contest. Bess followed him up with an RBI single.

Despite Corona’s team-leading 14th home run, third baseman Patrick Roche provided the steadiest bat with a 3-for-4 line including an eighth-inning double. After that extra-base hit, first baseman Cooper Vest snatched a double of his own to score Roche. Corona dished in one more RBI in the eighth on a single to cap the offensive output.

Starter Jack Martin limited Oakland to seven hits, four runs (two earned), and a season-high four walks, striking out three batters. Out of the bullpen, submarine pitcher Steven Ordorica dealt a shutdown 0.2 IP, only allowing one hit. Right-hander Gary Grosjean faced just four batters after that, retiring every foe. Southpaw Jaxon Byrd played the role of back door, holding back the B’s with a shutout ninth.

The Coast and Ballers volley again on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. PDT with gates opening at 5:35 p.m. Coverage on the Long Beach Coast YouTube page and the Home Team Network rolls into action at 6:15 p.m.

Jesse Cook