VC pitcher Jacob Tostado had Moorpark's number Tuesday, scattering five hits over seven shutout innings with four strikeouts to pick up the win in the Pirates' 12-1 victory over Moorpark at Pirate Park. Henry Borjas was 4-6 at the plate with a double, two runs batted in and three runs scored and Caden Stillwell totaled three hits with three RBI and a run scored.
Ventura took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Daniel Aguilera,who led off the inning with a single, scored on a double-steal.
The Pirates scored again in the third when Borjas led off the frame with a single and scored after a pair of Raider errors.
VC took full control of the game with a four-run fourth. Ben Drumheller and Lucas Martinov both walked to lead things off and Cole Howard singled to load the bases. Borjas followed with a two-RBI single. Borjas eventually came home to score on a wild pitch and Stillwell singled home Grant Rodriguez for the 6-0 margin.
The lead doubled for Ventura in the bottom of the sixth inning. Borjas led off with a double and Matthew Ramirez walked. Rodriguez singled to fill the diamond with Pirates and Stillwell hit an RBI single to center. Aguilera reached base on catcher's interference, forcing home a run, and Peter Dufau knocked in two more runs with a single. After a pitching change Drumheller walked and Martinov hit a two-RBI single for the 12-0 score.
Moorpark managed one run in the top of the ninth to avoid the shutout, setting the final 12-1 margin.
Aiden Demello pitched a perfect eighth inning and Cole Blommer closed the game in the ninth.
VC continues the series at Moorpark on Thursday Feb. 27 before hosting MC on Saturday Mar. 1.