In a wild, back-and-forth, emotional contest, Carpinteria was edged by Fillmore in eight innings, 8-7, in a Citrus Coast League baseball game that was moved to Fillmore on Friday due to unplayable field conditions at John Calderwood Field.
Carpinteria jump out to a 4-1 lead, but Fillmore erupted for six runs in the fourth inning to go up 7-4.
The Warriors responded with three runs in the top of the 5th to knot the game at 7-7, and it stayed that way until the bottom of the 8th inning, when Fillmore walked away with the win.
Carpinteria freshman starter Gabe Martinez held his own, scattering seven hits before giving way to Shane Goodmanson who was making his second appearance of the week.
Goodmanson was good for three scoreless innings before he reached the maximum number of outs allowed in a week.
The Warriors got to Fillmore senior ace Jathan Magaña, knocking him out after four innings. But the Flashes made Santiago Avila the winner in relief.
Talon Trumble led the Carpinteria attack as he collected three hits, including a double. Diego Nieves rapped a single up the middle, scored a run and was hit by a pitch on two occasions. Joaquin Ramirez had a hit and scored two runs.
“The game had everything, pick-offs, bunt plays, long hits, arguments with umpires, collisions at home plate, competitive pitching, dazzling plays and errors,” said Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney. “It’s hard for the visitors to win at Booty Sanchez Field and it’s a good sign that we managed the emotion of the game and had every opportunity to win.”
The result leaves both teams at 4-3 in league play. Carpinteria is 5-3 overall and Fillmore is 6-5.
“There is going to be a dogfight among Citrus Coast League teams for the playoffs. It’s great to see that our group is up to the challenge,” said Cooney.
Carpinteria heads to spring break and will return to play on April Fools’ Day at Santa Clara.