Regulators Coast to Friday Night Victory

LONG BEACH, CA – The Long Beach Regulators (22-6) cruised by the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds (10-18) on Friday Night for the team’s third shutout in a 13-0 blowout. The Coast tied their largest margin of victory, a mark set in an 18-5 win at Oakland on Wednesday, also turning a season-high five double plays.

Unity worked out for the L.B.C. with the offense pushing eight runs across while the defense pulled Yuba-Sutter’s hitters into the box with only three walks issued.

Left fielder Eddy Pelc led the way for Long Beach, scoring the game’s first run in the third inning and knocking a three-run home run off the right field foul pole. The Huntington Beach-native finished the evening 3-for-3 with four RBIs and a walk.

Third baseman Patrick Roche also stunned with a pair of doubles. The middle infielders produced, as well with both second baseman Jacob Jablonski and shortstop Anthony Mata recording multiple hits. Right fielder Matthew Bardowell pulled through with two extra-base hits, a double in the seventh inning and a triple in the eighth, bringing around 3 RBIs.

Starter Brett Wozniak needed only 73 pitches to breeze through six two-hit innings. The left-hander issued just three walks, striking out a pair in his shutout performance. Rookie reliever Jaxon Byrd earned his professional save with a three-inning scoreless outing, allowing just one hit and pitching the minimum.

Long Beach can clinch a series win in the weekend setup with a victory on Saturday night. Doors open for Pride Night at Blair Field at 3:05 p.m. before the 4:35 p.m. first pitch. Coverage on the Home Team Network begins at 4:15 p.m. with the Beach Ball Pre-Game Report.

Jesse Cook