A seven-run third inning propelled Carpinteria to a 10-5 Citrus Coast League win over Fillmore Friday on a blustery day at John Calderwood Field.
The Warriors erased a 3-0 Fillmore lead with five hits, a walk, two hit-batsmen and two errors all in that third inning. They picked up insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings.
Senior right-hander Zach Mata went the distance for Carpinteria in his first start of the season, scattering nine hits while striking out two and issuing no walks.
The balanced offensive attack had Erich Goebel, Hunter Garcia, Oscar Velazquez and Isaac Flores getting two hits each. Goebel and Diego Nieves doubled, producing Carpinteria’s only extra base hits.
“The players deserve credit for executing the game plan,” Carpinteria coach Patrick Cooney said. “A confident approach at the plate, gritty defense, and a pitcher that filled up the strike zone were key elements.
“While we are really pleased to see the offensive side of the ball improve, we cannot say enough about how good the battery was. Mata and Nieves navigated a tough Fillmore lineup and stayed the course.”
Carpinteria improves to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in league play. Fillmore is 4-5 and 1-1. The Warriors continue CCL action Wednesday at Nordhoff.