Recap: Riptide 6 Catch 2

On the back of an efficient five scoreless innings from Nick Tanner, the Newport Beach Riptide captured their second win of the season and took the rubber match of the weekend’s three game series with the SoCal Catch.

The ‘Tide found success against Catch starter Michael Stafford early and often, plating four runs in the first inning. Outfielders Brandon Munoz and Cole Gray started things with back-to-back singles, followed by a successful double steal that plated Munoz when SoCal’s catcher, Davis Cantwell, threw the ball into the outfield. Caleb Henderson followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 2-0 and JJ Carr later added a two-run bases loaded double to cap the scoring in the first inning.

On the mound, Tanner worked with poise, allowing only four hits in five scoreless innings of work, striking out one. Outside of a pair of late runs surrendered by the Riptide bullpen, the Catch bats were held at bay. Nico Castaneda pitched a perfect inning in relief, while the Vanguard teammates Roberto Johnson and Matt Silberman teamed up to throw the last three innings allowing only two runs.

The Riptide offense was paced by left fielder Brandon Munoz, who swung a hot stick, recording three hits in four at bats, driving in a run, and stealing a pair of bases. Cole Gray went two for three at the plate, drive in a run, and walked. Six of the nine Riptide starters recorded at least one hit.

The Riptide return to action tomorrow night against the South Bay Saints at home with a 5pm first pitch before two days off and a weekend series on the road against the Santa Barbara Foresters.