A six-run fourth inning for Nordhoff left too much gap for Carpinteria to make up in a 9-4 Citrus Coast League loss to the host Rangers Friday.
The Warriors led 3-2 after two innings before Nordhoff’s big inning made the score 8-3. A late rally fell short when Carpinteria loaded the bases with one out, but managed only one run out of the situation.
Erich Goebel paced the Warrior attack with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI. Hunter Garcia and Gibby Castillo had the other two clean Warrior hits off Nordhoff ace Roman Mahler, who maxed out at 116 pitches before leaving the game.
“We got an improved start from Joaquin Ramirez, and good things were happening when we put the ball in play,” Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney said.
“Subtract the great big inning and we have a close ball game. We have a small margin for error and need things to go our way in all aspects. It simply did not work out in our favor today.”
The two teams traded wins this week, and a previous matchup ended in a tie after the game was called due to darkness. The season series ends in a tie with Friday’s result.
The Warriors play a non-league game with Bishop Diego next Tuesday at 4 p.m.