Erdman’s RBI single in 10th lifts Vaqueros over Oxnard

Spencer Erdman drove in the first run and the winning run on Thursday as No. 4 SBCC edged No. 3 Oxnard 4-3 in 10 innings in an early season baseball showdown at Oxnard.

The Vaqueros (10-1, 3-0) won their fifth straight and took over sole possession of first in the WSC North. Oxnard fell to 7-2-1 and 2-1.

Erdman, a sophomore second baseman from Santa Clara, went 3-5 with two RBIs. Matt Gimenez was hit by a pitch with one out in the 10^th and Dallas Bacon reached on an outfield error. Zac Gainor replaced Steven Suarez on the mound and Erdman greeted him with a single to left that scored Gimenez and put the Vaqueros up 4-3.

Sophomore right-hander Justin Bruce tossed eight shutout innings, giving up just six hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Oxnard starter Brandon Aoki held SBCC scoreless on three hits in the first seven innings.

"It was a defensive battle with both starters doing well," said SBCC coach Jeff Walker. "We took a 3-0 lead into the ninth but Oxnard is a tough and prideful group. Our defense was outstanding today with two double plays and some spectacular plays by (shortstop) Matt Hernandez and Erdman.

"Our third baseman Matt Gimenez also made a key play in the first inning, getting the first out by tagging out the runner at third with runners on first and third."

The Vaqueros took a 3-0 lead in the eighth when Erdman drove in Gimenez with an RBI single, Henderson sacrificed the runners to second and third and Brandon Evans (2-5, 2 RBI) singled them both home.

Kit Larson came on in the bottom of the ninth but got into trouble on a single and two walks that loaded the bases. Jeremy Alvarado drove in a run on a sacrifice fly and Marcus Hutchinson delivered a two-run double to tie it at 3-3.

Jake Keily relieved Bruce and got Dustyn Cook looking to end the threat. Keily pitched a 1-2-3 10th inning to earn his first college win.

The Vaqueros will host Oxnard on Saturday at 1 p.m.