Monarchs offense struggles to score

The Lancers snapped Valley College’s three-game winning streak after scoring two runs in the sixth and eighth innings.

By Kevin Khachatryan, Staff Writer

Monarchs sophomore relief pitcher Andy Rodriguez delivers a pitch against the opposing Irvine Valley college at Valley college on February 28, 2023. (Xavier Dubon | Valley Star)

Valley College baseball struggled defensively against Irvine Valley College on Tuesday afternoon, only achieving four hits and two runs over nine innings in a 5-2 loss.

With a cold front bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds quickly approaching, college officials pushed the home match between Valley (7-8 overall) and Irvine Valley (9-7 overall) one hour earlier to beat the bad weather. Valley failed to tie the game in the final inning as freshman shortstop Tino Valdez struck out with three runners on base.

Valley started freshman Daniel Tovar, followed by sophomores Andy Rodriguez and Josh Balos to pitch for the game.

Tovar pitched five innings and gave up only one run. Rodriguez pitched two innings and gave up two unearned runs as the Monarchs were unable to field the ball expeditiously, allowing two runners to score. Balos pitched the final two innings and also gave up two runs.

“We didn’t bring it defensively,” said head coach Dave Mallas. “In a 1-1 game going into the sixth inning, you have to play defense. That’s what happens when you give a team extra outs.”

The Lancers’ pitchers were consistently walking Valley’s batters, hitting them in their arms and shoulders. Both teams brought a runner home in the third inning.

Valley freshman first baseman Max Aude gave up two runs in the sixth inning, fumbling a catch and letting two runners from the visiting team reach home plate, giving them a two-run lead. Rodriguez’s pitching was steadfast; he allowed zero runs in the seventh inning.

However, Coach Mallas made the third switch to bring in pitcher Balos in the eighth and ninth innings. The Lancers converted on two hits and scored two runs in the eighth, giving them a 5-1 lead. The Monarchs offense and defense struggled with Irvine Valley’s pitcher, who started for the first eight innings and gave up only one run.

With bases loaded and a Monarch up to bat in the final play of the ninth inning, the home team had a longshot opportunity to win the game, but the offense was unable to find their gear. Valley’s batter struck out, cementing the 5-2 loss.

“The difference is going to be to bring it every single day,” said Mallas. “We’re athletic enough to beat anybody and compete with anybody, it just comes down to being consistent.”