GAME RECAP: Morales Walk-Off RBI Single puts Bobcats up in the series

Saddleback started their playoff run with a bang, as they secured a walk-off victory over Long Beach City in Game 1 of their first-round series. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the game.

Long Beach City struck first in the top of the 3rd inning, scoring on a sacrifice fly from AJ Quezada. Saddleback responded quickly, tying the game up in the bottom half of the inning on a Michael Davinni RBI single.

Saddleback took the lead in the bottom half of the 4th, as Makani Tanaka scored Zachary Schwartzberg on a RBI single. The lead was extended in the bottom of the 5th inning, as JP Heft drove in Michael Davinni with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

But Long Beach City wouldn’t go down without a fight, as they rallied for 2 runs in the top of the 6th inning to tie the game up at 3 apiece. The game remained tied until Saddleback loaded the bases with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning.

That’s when Isaiah Morales stepped up to the plate and delivered the walk-off game-winning RBI single, scoring Makani Tanaka and securing the victory for Saddleback.

Long Beach City’s pitcher Evan Vazquez pitched a complete game, but allowed 13 hits and 4 runs (2 of them unearned) with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts, ultimately taking the loss. Meanwhile, Saddleback’s Will Girardi pitched for 6 innings, giving up 7 hits and 3 earned runs, with 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. Tyler Byrns came on in relief in the 7th inning, throwing 3 innings, giving up 1 hit and striking out 1 to pick up the win.

The series continues today at 2pm, with the Bobcats hoping to advance to the next round.