The Pirate baseball team trailed 5-0 entering the eighth inning Saturday and scored three runs in the bottom of the frame, but could not complete the comeback against College of the Desert at Pirate Park. Lucas Martinov had a pair of hits, including a 2-run double in the eighth, to lead VC and Matthew Ramirez recorded two hits and scored a run. Jacob Roa had a solid start on the mound, giving up four runs, two earned, with three strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.
Ventura opened up in a hole, giving up a pair of unearned runs in the top of the second.
The Roadrunners also scored single runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth to post a 5-0 advantage.
The Pirates made some noise in the bottom half of the eighth. With one out Matthew Ramirez and Grant Rodriguez hit back-to-back singles. Caden Stillwell followed with an RBI single and Martinov doubled to score two more runs. VC was unable to capitalize with the game-tying run at the plate, however, and still trailed 5-3 heading to the ninth.
Brandon Contreras opened the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit single, but a double play ended the Ventura threat.
VC outhit the Roadrunners 9-7 in the game, but could not complete their comeback.
Ventura resumes Western State Conference play on Tuesday April 8 against Allan Hancock College. First pitch is at 2:00 pm at Pirate Park.