The Pirate baseball team held a 5-2 advantage heading into the ninth inning Thursday, only to let it slip away, falling 6-5 in walk-off fashion at Moorpark. Blake Chiaramonte finished a triple away from the cycle, driving in four runs and scoring two to lead VC (17-12, 7-7) while Justin Friedman was solid on the mound once again, completing eight innings and allowing two runs while striking out 10 Raiders.
The Pirates took the early 1-0 lead on Chiaramonte's two-out home run in the top of the first inning.
Moorpark came back with two runs in the fourth inning on two walks, a single and a wild pitch to take the 2-1 advantage.
The lead did not last long, however, as the Pirates came back with four runs in the top of the fifth inning. Nick Bero led off with a walk, and Chris McKee reached base on a one-out single. Rodolfo Aguilar drew a base on balls to load the bases, and Chiaramonte cleared the bases with a double. Brendan Griffith followed with a single to score Chiaramonte and the Pirates led 5-2.
Friedman made the advantage hold up through the eighth inning, but the normally strong Pirate bullpen gave up a four-run ninth inning to take the loss.
The Pirates won't have time to dwell on the setback, however, as they return to Pirate Park on Friday April 7, hosting Cuesta at 2:30 pm. The game can be seen live on the VC Sports Network.