By: Tom Liguori
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – In game two of the SCCBL semi-final, the POWER fell to the Inland Valley Pirates by a score of 2-1. The series is now even at one a piece.
One night after a dominating pitching performance by All-SCCBL pitcher Luke Barker, the fans in attendance at Palm Springs Stadium were treated to another phenomenal pitching duel. The hard luck loser for the POWER was right-hander Angel Landazuri out of UC Riverside.
Over seven innings Landazuri scattered four hits while striking out an impressive eight Pirate batters. The righty ran into trouble in the third inning after allowing a leadoff walk that lead to two runners in scoring position. Landazuri was able to work out of his jam with the aid of his power fastball, surrendering only one run in the frame.
Outdueling the POWER starter was his counterpart for the Pirates, Erik Trask. The deceptive hurler was able to keep the POWER’s hot offense quiet throughout the night. Trask limited them to a mere four hits over seven and two-thirds, one of the POWER’s lowest totals of the 2015 season.
The POWER were able to finally get on the board after an RBI single delivered by the POWER’s leading hitter Dillan Smith. The left fielder out of San Jose State produced two of the POWER’s four hits on the evening.
With one out in the sixth inning, right fielder Connor Hornsby threatened after tripling deep to right field. However, Trask was able to pitch himself out of this dangerous situation with the help of a fielder’s choice and strikeout.
The Pirates were finally able to break a tied game in the top of the eighth inning after relief pitcher Matt Valencia allowed a runner to score on a wild pitch. That run would be all the Pirates needed on the night as the POWER remained silent over the final two frames.
Tomorrow night the teams will meet again for a decisive game three at Palm Springs Stadium. First pitch is at 7:05, and admission is just a dollar for Family Appreciation Night, presented by Jack in the Box.
