By Kristen Wood
LOOKING FOR A SIGN
By Kristen Wood
The Riverside Community College baseball team’s season has come to an end, but it didn’t finish without a fight.
The Tigers faced their last two conference games against Saddleback.RCC first faced Saddleback on May 3, in an Orange Empire Conference game at the Evans Sport Complex.
The game started off neck and neck with both teams going into the third inning with only one point each. Saddleback pulled ahead when a base-hit to left field turned into a triple because of an error.
The Tigers came back by scoring three runs in the bottom of the third. With a base hit to center field, second baseman Tony Haro brought two runners in, bringing Riverside ahead of Saddleback 6-2.
The Tigers continued to hold the Gauchos throughout the game. Haro hit a double bringing two more runs in which brought the final score to 8-2. Left-handed pitcher David Quinowski pitched all nine innings. The freshman did an impressive job allowing only five hits, striking out four and walking only one.
Riverside’s winning streak continued as it faced Saddleback again on May 5 in Mission Viejo. It was a significant win for the Tigers with a score of 6-1.
Tommy Hanson provided Riverside with a strong pitching performance. He pitched 8 and 2/3 innings, striking out nine. Hanson only allowed four hits-one resulting in an earned run.
Riverside tied with Fullerton for fifth place in conference play. It was an upsetting season for the Tigers.
“We finished our most disappointing season in my 16- year career in conference, it’s the first time in 16 years the Tigers don’t advance to the Junior College playoffs,” coach Dennis Rogers said.
Throughout the season the RCC baseball team didn’t have the strong hitting performance that they provided in the previous week.
The team is looking forward to a better season next year under the same strong coaching staff. It hopes to improve their standings as they continue to compete in the Orange Empire Conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences at the Junior College level.
The Riverside baseball team finishes the season 22-15 overall and 9-12 in conference.
