Murray Jr. Barrels Ninth-Inning Double to Seal the Win

The Riverside City College baseball team found themselves down one run in the bottom of the ninth with one out in an Orange Empire Conference (OEC) showdown against the Santa Ana College Dons on Thursday afternoon. Sophomore center fielder Casey Murry Jr. stepped up with two runners on and smashed a game-winning double in the right-center gap to secure a 6-5, walk off victory.

The Riverside bats were quiet throughout most of the game, but the ninth inning was do or die with the game on the line.

Freshman pinch hitter Dominic Dominguez led off the frame and drew a four-pitch walk to act as they tying run. He was lifted by sophomore pinch runner Nathan Aldaz and he promptly advanced to third base on a double from freshman catcher Anthony Gibbons two batters later.

Murray Jr. dug into the box with the opportunity to win the game and did so successfully by launching a game-winning two bagger into the gap, plating Aldaz and Gibbons, leading to a 6-5 win.

"In moments like that some may think your mind is speeding up, but I just kept a calm mind and I was able to do this for my team," said Murray Jr.

Murray Jr. had a day at the dish going 3-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored. He snapped a 0-for-11 skid prior to today's game.

"The mentality to win again is what we will take into tomorrow," said Murray Jr. "We have beat them twice already, won the series, and are hungry to get a sweep."

Santa Ana jumped out on top with a three spot in the first inning to put the Tigers in the chase. They added another run in the top of the fourth inning, chasing sophomore starter David Butler who went 3.1 innings while allowing four runs on four hits.

Riverside responded with a three spot in the fifth inning as Murray Jr. laced a double into the left center gap, scoring sophomore designated hitter Rei Shobuya who reached via walk. Sophomore left fielder Adrian Arechiga closed out the inning with a two-run single up the middle on a hanging curveball, sending Murray Jr. and sophomore third baseman Beau Betten home.

The Tigers rolled out three arms out of the bullpen highlighted by freshman right hander Dakota Gray. He chucked 2.2 innings and allowed a mere hit with two punchouts. He earned the victory following the walk off win.

Arechiga went 2-for-4 with a late-game triple, two RBI and a run scored. Gibbons had the clutch ninth-inning double, while Betten went 2-for-3 with a run scored.