Oxnard Spoils Baseball Coach McGee’s Debut

Stellar pitching by three relievers and solid shortstop defense by Thomas Castro stood out for the Pasadena City College baseball team Tuesday, but host Oxnard handed the Lancers a 7-0 loss in the 2015 season opener for both teams. It was the head coaching debut for PCC’s Pat McGee.

PCC’s relief staff was able to shut out the Condors over the last six innings including four strong innings by lefty Jonathan Hopkins (two hits, two walks, two Ks), and single no-hit blank frames by Zach Britt and Eddie Gutierrez. Castro, who singled to open the game, was a vacuum cleaner at shortstop. He made eight assists and one putout as he turned three double plays, two with DP partner and second baseman Robert Mier.

Oxnard starter Blake Redman (six innings) and reliever Joshua Kobiske (three innings, save) scattered six hits for the combined shutout.

PCC nearly got out of the first inning, but a dropped fly ball in right field on what should have been the third out scored two runs. Starting pitcher Brandon Murfett (0-1) ended up throwing 30 pitches and allowed a RBI single to Scott Hockenberry as the Condors took a 3-0 lead.

In the second inning, a double, two bunt singles and even a double steal sparked Oxnard to score four “small-ball” runs and build a commanding 7-0 advantage.

Pasadena’s best chance to score came in the ninth. Singles by Mier and reserve third baseman David Dominguez sandwiched a hit-by-pitch to RF Anthony Rabito that loaded the bases. But Kubiske recorded a strikeout and pop up to first to thwart the rally and preserve Oxnard’s shutout.

DH John Sevilla, catcher Justin Cage, reserve CF PJ DeZotell recorded the Lancers’ other hits.

This Saturday, Jan. 31, the Lancers play a twinbill at Antelope Valley College. The first game of the doubleheader begins at 11 a.m., followed by game 2 at 2 p.m.