Beavers start fast again but drop game to Yuba
For the 2nd time in their two home games this year American River College put a crooked number on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. Unfortunately, today it would not be enough as the Beavers suffered their first loss of the season, 5-3 to Yuba College. Sophomore 1B Steven Langley (El Camino) drove in another run, his team leading 5th of the season, with a single in the first inning to score SS Lane Field (Whitney) who had drawn the first of his two walks on the day. Langley's single advanced sophomore 3B Sonny Ledford (Rio Americano) to 3rd on the play. With two outs Yuba tried to pick Ledford off third but he got back safely. Langley was on the move however and as he dove safely into second beating the throw Ledford raced home to score the second run of the inning.
Sophomore RHP Collin Carriger (Bella Vista) cruised pretty easily through the first four innings. But the 5th inning would unravel quickly as the 49ers hit back-to-back doubles to start the inning followed by a walk. Sophomore RHP Greysen Pulsipher (Cosumnes Oaks) came on and when Yuba bunted, Pulsipher's throw to first sailed down the right field line to allow another run to score. The next batter hit a chopper to short and SS Lane Field's throw sailed over Steven Langley's head at first to allow another run to score. The team settled down from there, but when all was said and done, Yuba had tallied 5 runs. It was all they would need.
The Beavers threatened again in the 7th after a pair of walks and a single to center by CF Andrew Danko (Eaglecrest, CO) loaded the bases for the top of the order. Sophomore 2B Ray Henry (Colfax) struck out looking. Freshman RF Cole Hurtarte (Whitney) then hit a dribbler to short which he beat to drive in a run and make the score 5-3. Lane Field then hit a screamer, but right at the Yuba second baseman for an inning ending double play.
The Beavers pitching allowed three earned runs today but all in the 5th inning, which means after the 1-0 shutout at West Valley on Saturday that A.R.C.'s opponents have only scored in one of the last 21 innings. A.R.C. will play Shasta College at Beaver Field on Thursday, but with the threat of rain on Saturday the two teams may play a double-header on Thursday.