San Marcos’ Aidan Mandel hit a double down the left-field line in the top of the ninth, scoring Darren Orlando from first base, to break a scoreless tie and give the Royals a 1-0 win in a pitchers’ duel over Santa Ynez in a Channel League game Friday.
The victory clinched a tie for the Channel League title.
Starter Chase Hoover went five innings for San Marcos, striking out 10, and Emmett Speake pitched four innings with four Ks.
The Royals are now 11-2 in league play and face Lompoc twice next week.