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Taloa Belts Three Home Runs In Don's 10-9 Win
SANTA ANA, CA - Matt Morris drove in pinch-runner Matt Davidson from second as third-ranked Santa Ana College (21-6-1, 8-3-1 OEC) rallied for two runs in the bottom of the ninth to come away with a 10-9 win over 12th-ranked Riverside Community College (17-10, 5-7 OEC) in Orange Empire Conference baseball action, Tuesday. The win moved the Dons into first place by half a game in the conference as top-ranked Cypress College (19-8, 8-4) was upset by Irvine Valley College (19-9, 4-8), 4-1, earlier in the day.
Tuesday belonged to Santa Ana first baseman Rick Taloa who finished 4-for-4 at the plate with six RBI. The former Esperanza High School-product belted three home runs including a game-tying solo shot in the bottom of the ninth off Jarrod Dumont (2-1) who suffered the loss. Taloa had a pair of two-run home runs in the fourth and sixth innings and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh to tally six RBI on the day.
In the top of the ninth the Tigers scored a pair runs and took a 9-8 lead when Andy Bouchie scored from third when Taloa bobbled Brett Siegmund's throw that allowed Pat Walker to reach. Bouchie, who was 4 for 5 with an RBI,  was one of two Tigers to collect for hits in the game. Wally Crancer was also 4 for 5 at the plate.
In the bottom of the ninth, Taloa made it 9-9 with his third home run setting the stage for Morris's game-winner. After C.J. Rice grounded out, Siegmund who was 3 for 4, singled to left and moved to second on Tyler Greer's pinch-hit single to right off Taylor Loop. Davidson replaced Siegmund on second and scored five pitches later on Morris RBI-single to right center.
Garrett Rieck (6-1) picked up the win in relief of starter Paul Canedo and two other Santa Ana pitchers. Canedo staked the Dons to a 7-4 lead after seven allowing four runs on nine hits while striking out four and walking one.
Jacob Vasquez and C.J. Rice each finished with two hits for the Dons who have won six straight.
On Deck: Santa Ana College at Riverside Community College, Thursday, April 14, 2:30 p.m. Season series tied, 1-1.
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