Carpinteria kept playoff hopes alive with a big comeback and a bases-loaded walk-off hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Citrus Coast League rival Malibu 8-7 on Friday.
In what Warrior coach Pat Cooney called “a most unusual game,” the Warriors dug themselves a big hole, trailing 6-1 to start the bottom of the fourth inning.
Carpinteria scratched out a run in that inning and then erupted for five runs in the fifth to lead 7-6. The Sharks were able to push across the tying run in the sixth to set up the dramatic seventh.
The Warriors’ Anthony Ybarra led off the seventh with a walk, and speedy pinch runner Jayson Dishion, took second on a base hit to left by Gabe Martinez.
Shane Goodmanson followed with a hit to center, which loaded the bases for the Warriors. The Sharks brought in their ace, Trevor Nickerson, to face Carpinteria’s ninth batter, Judah Torres.
With the count 1-2, Torres was struck on the hand by an inside fastball which forced home Dishion and secured the Warrior win.
Gabe Martinez started on the mound for Carpinteria, but his defense faltered behind him as just two of the Sharks’ runs were earned.
Shane Goodmanson was effective and efficient in relief, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk. Goodmanson was the winner, his fifth of the season and second this week, when the final run crossed the plate.
Isaac Flores paced the Warrior offense with two hits, an RBI and two runs scored. Martinez had two hits and a run scored, and Erich Goebel contributed a hit, an RBI, a walk, a stolen base and a run scored.
“It’s fitting that Torres got to be the hero,” Cooney said. “He’s so positive, gritty, and 100% engaged in every pitch in every game. Nickerson is Malibu’s best player, but guys like Torres believe we can win until the last out is recorded.”
The Warriors won two of the three-game series with the Sharks, and the must-win game keeps them in the playoff hunt. Carpinteria is 8-8 in CCL play and 9-8 overall. Malibu is 9-5 and 9-6.
Carpinteria wraps up CCL action next week with a pair of games against first-place Santa Paula on Tuesday and Thursday and a non-league game with Villanova on Saturday.
“If the games in the last series of the season are meaningful, the team has had a successful campaign,” Cooney said. Earning a trip to the playoffs would be a great reward.”