The Pirate baseball team dug themselves into a 4-0 hole in the first inning and never recovered, dropping an 8-5 decision at Citrus College Thursday afternoon. Kaden Betsch picked up a pair of hits for Ventura (3-2), including a two-run home run. Blake Chiaramonte also had two hits with an RBI. The Pirate bullpen combined for four scoreless innings of work as Andrew Nardi, Kodi Koorndyk, Jackson Hickert and Brent Dickey all saw action in relief.
Offensively, VC had 11 hits on the day with eight starters recording a hit. Bryson Wallet had one hit with an RBI and Elijah Alexander continued his strong start with a hit, one RBI, a HBP and a stolen base.
Due to field conditions, the Pirates' double-header with Monterey Peninsula on Saturday Feb. 11 has been cancelled. Ventura will next travel to Cerritos on Tuesday Feb. 14.