Orange Coast Walks Winning Run Home

After blowing a six-run lead, Golden West scored on a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning to beat Orange Coast, 12-11, Tuesday in an Orange Empire Conference game.

The ninth inning began with a bad-hop single by Golden West’s David Licht. Brian Jones’ bunt attempt was fielded by Mike Shwam, whose throw to second base was dropped. Shwam then made a throwing error on Jarrad Jones’ attempted bunt to load the bases.

After a fielder’s choice at home plate, Jeff Jones drew the game-winning walk. As Brian Jones crossed home plate to end the game, the benches emptied. Order was restored within a few minutes.

Orange Coast (18-20, 7-15) jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the host Rustlers scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning. Golden West (19-18, 10-13) scored three more runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth and one in the sixth for an 11-5 lead.

Orange Coast scored five times on five hits in the top of the seventh and trailed by one. A home run in the top of the ninth by John Lukin tied the score, 11-11.

Riverside 10, Fullerton 9--Greg Dobbs had four hits and two RBIs for Riverside. Brian Martin singled home Greg Blum in the bottom of the ninth to win it.

Santa Ana 11, Cypress 5--Rick Gonzalez hit two home runs and had five RBIs for Santa Ana (29-12, 13-10). Gonzalez has 11 home runs this season.

Brandon Pack had three hits, including a home run, and two RBIs for Cypress (20-20, 10-12).