SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The campaign to capture a third consecutive WSC North title got off to a good start for Santa Barbar City College as the Vaqueros defeated the Cerro Coso College Coyotes, 10-3, on Friday at Pershing Park.
Joseph Talarico allowed only one hit in five innings pitched while striking out six in his first start of the season to set the tone for the Vaqueros.
"Talarico was great today," said head coach Jeff Walker.
The game was moving quickly as both pitchers were getting quick outs through the first four-and-a-half innings.
In the bottom of the fifth, Santa Barbara shortstop Will Matuszak got the Vaqueros on the board with his base hit to drive in Ben Fabbian. That RBI sparked a five-run bottom of the fifth for Santa Barbara, chasing the Coyotes starting pitcher.
"It's good to start the year with a win against a playoff-quality team like Cerro Coso," said Walker.
The Vaqueros kept up the pressure, as they added another five runs down the stretch.
Matuszak finished the game batting 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and a stolen base. Fabbian finished 2-for-3 with three runs scored and a stolen base. Ethan Rodriguez and Cole Ide each hit a triple and collected two RBIs.
Mike Firestone and Elias Athanas also picked up a pair of runs batted in for Santa Barbara.
The Vaqueros play again today at Pershing Park when they host West LA College for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
