Baseball Sweeps Golden West Behind Game-Three Tromping

The Riverside City College baseball team had everything working in the final game of a three-game series against the Golden West College Rustlers. The Tigers completed the sweep after banging out 19 runs on 18 hits leading to a 19-4 victory.

Sophomore starting pitcher David Butler toed the slab and went to work from the get go by retiring the first five batters in order. His first five outs of the game were via groundout; two of them going to sophomore first baseman Adrian Arechiga.

He continued on to allow just two hits leading into the top of the fourth inning where he struck out the side. That sparked a mini run where he retired the following six batters in order leading to a season-high nine strikeouts in seven innings of work.

"The team is feeling pretty good," said Butler. "I think we did a good job riding our momentum. We had a great first game and our comeback win on Thursday was really good."

It was Butler's best showing so far this season as he matched his season high innings mark and strikeout total.

"I just try to throw strikes, trust my defense behind me and do what I can to help my team get a win."

Riverside had three monster innings by scoring five runs in the second inning and six runs in the fourth inning and seventh inning. It is the first time this season the Tigers have scored five or more runs in three innings.

There were 13 players who recorded at least one hit highlighted by freshman second baseman Robert Phelps going 3-for-6 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Arechiga followed with a 2-for-4 day with three RBI and a run scored.

Sophomore designated hitter Matthew Bardowell went 1-for-2 with two runs scored, while freshman right fielder Christian Angulo going 2-for-2. His seventh-inning knock to left center field was his first career hit.

Sophomore catcher Rei Shobuya went 2-for-4 a double and two RBI, while sophomore left fielder Nathan Aldaz drove in four runs on one base hit.