The Ventura College baseball team had a runner on base in all but the first inning Saturday afternoon, but could only cash in one run in their 2-1 loss to Allan Hancock College at Pirate Park. Greg Minier had a solid start of six innings of work while allowing a pair of runs, but the Pirates could not help him pick up the victory. The Ventura offense had seven hits, all singles, on the day.
The Pirates manufactured a run in the bottom of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. Tony Fonzo led off with a walk, and was sacrificed to second by Dylan Colman. Michael Volaski flied out to center for the second out, and Fonzo advanced to third before Carlos Sanchez singled in the run.
Hancock tied the game in the fifth inning and took the lead in the sixth with single runs in each frame.
Ventura had at least one base runner in each of the final eight innings, reaching scoring position in four innings, but they never got the clutch hit to bring in another run. The Pirates had the tying run on second in the bottom of the ninth inning before making the final two outs.
Tyler Esquivel threw one perfect inning of relief and Taylor Campos did not allow a run in two innings of work on the mound.
VC travels to Moorpark on Friday March 27 for a 2:30 pm game before heading to Coalinga on Tuesday March 31 to make up a rained out game with West Hills College. Their next home game is Thursday April 2 against Pasadena at 2:00 pm.