Talarico, Timely Offense Lead Vaqs Past Ventura

VENTURA, Calif. – Joseph Talarico earned his conference-best ninth win of the season as Santa Barbara City College defeated Ventura College 7-1 on Tuesday, holding onto a slim lead atop the Western State Conference North standings.

The Vaqueros allowed just a single run when a runner from first base scored on a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt in the second inning. 

Aidan Camberg tied the game in the fourth with an RBI single. In the fifth, Nicolas Aguirre led off with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Firestone to give Santa Barbara a 2-1 lead.

Cole Ide opened the sixth with a triple and was driven in by Camberg, extending the lead to 3-1.

The Vaqueros broke the game open in the eighth when Firestone laid down a bunt up the third base line. The ensuing defensive errors brought home three runs, and Will Matuszak added another RBI to cap the four-run frame.

Talarico lowered his conference-leading ERA with seven and one-third strong innings, while Halen Jaden Guerrero closed it out with one and two-third hitless innings in relief.

SBCC (24-12, 16-6) visits Allan Hancock College on Thursday before wrapping up the regular season Friday at LA Pierce.