Carpinteria fell behind 6-0 in the first inning and never recovered, losing to Malibu, 9-3, in a Citrus Coast League baseball game on Friday in Malibu.
“The first inning explosion was too much to overcome,” said coach Pat Cooney. “Kade Kelly is a good pitcher and was not about to surrender runs in bunches. We did eventually get to him and he exited the game, but it was too little too late.”
Erich Goebel paced the offense for the Warriors with two hits, including a double, and a RBI. Hunter Garcia had a hit and a RBI and Oscar Velazquez walked three times.
Judah Torres collected his first varsity hit scored Carpinteria’s third run.
“There were bright spots for sure,” said Cooney. “Goebel continues to maintain a great approach at the plate, Garcia is really leading the defense, and reliever Shane Goodmanson threw his first varsity innings today and held the game within reach.
If we can minimize the damage caused by big innings, we can compete with good teams down the stretch.”
The Warriors (3-4-1, 2-4-1 CCL) will play two non-league spring-break games next week against Channel League opponents Santa Ynez and Cabrillo at Carpinteria on Thursday and Friday, respectively.