Premier pitching propells Saints to dominant win over Bombers

PASADENA, CA— The Saints' offense has been electric. Scoring 50 runs over the past week and averaging almost seven and a half runs per game on the season, the offense has not been the problem. The pitching has struggled. 

That all changed Tuesday night. 

The Arroyo Seco Saints (5-9) pitching held the San Diego Bombers (1-8) to one run the whole game, their lowest mark on the season. In a season defined by pitching struggles, this game felt like a staff that might be finding its footing.

In his first start for the Saints, Edwin Segovia (Azusa Pacific University) led the way. His five innings gave the Saints something they desperately needed: starter length. Segovia turned in one of the best starts of the season for the Saints, followed by four scoreless innings from the bullpen.

"I was able to land all my pitches and have a [successful outing]," Segovia said. "It felt good."

The offense continued their success with crooked numbers in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to give the pitching confidence to go out and attack batters, where pitchers thrive.

Brayden Flores (Loyola Marymount University) and Zach Leite (Old Dominion University) led the way for the Saints with two hits each, including Leite's two-run triple in the fifth, his first of the season. Canon King (UC San Diego) also hit his third home run of the season, leading the Saints in the category and second in the CCL. 

Perhaps the most underrated part of the game was the outstanding defense the Saints put on display. Led by second baseman Bryce Robinette (Undecided), the defense excelled, not committing an error for the second time all season.

Robinette made three excellent plays at second: a great pick on a liner, a 4-3 double play, and an over-the-shoulder grab that helped push the Saints over the hump. 

"Defensively, I felt really solid out there," Robinette said. "Everyone contributed. It's nice to have a stress-free win."

The Saints look to have more stress-free wins as they travel to face the Academy Barons in Compton, California, on Wednesday. First pitch is at 6:05 as the Saints face the Barons for the third time this season.

Contributors:

• Saints Reporter: Joshua Krueger (Baylor University)
• Saints Photographer: Aaliyah Alamillo (University of La Verne)