Baseball used a nine-run, 2nd inning to down the visiting Moorpark Raiders, 13-4, and regain the top spot in the Western State Conference.  2022 All State First Baseman Zachary Tallerman led off the Cougars' second turn at bat with a single and came around again, after the Cougars scored six runs, to drive in two runs and then capped the nine-run inning when he scored on Alex Hagen's two-run, double.  Tallerman and Hagen joined the rest of Cuesta's starters in a big team win, as every member of the starting nine either scored or drove in a run in the game.  After the big inning, the game's outcome was never in doubt as Cuesta Starter Luigi Albano-Dito held the Raiders' offense in check.  Albano-Dito improved to 3-0 on the season, while scattering six hits and collecting six strikeouts over six shutout innings.  The Cougars' bullpen was a little shaky, but Starter Justin Vose (pict) stepped in to close out the last two innings with four of his five outs coming off strikeouts.  The win moved the Cougars to 16-10-1 overall and into a tie with local rival Allan Hancock for 1st place in the Western State Conference.  Both teams are 10-5 against the loop with nine games to play, including a head-to-head match-up on April 22 in Santa Maria.  

Next week, Cuesta shall co-Host the Cuesta/Hancock Spring Break Tournament.  Cuesta is set to play East LA on Wednesday (2 PM), #4 Cypress on Thursday (2:30) and, #15 Merced on Friday (1 PM)