In a battle between two of the top programs in the State, Cuesta and Orange Coast split the first six innings in the second game of their three-game series as Orange Coast evened the series with a 6-5 win.  The Cougars scored in each the first three innings to take a four-run lead, however the Pirates scored their four runs over the next three frames to tie the game.  Both teams went scoreless on either side of the seventh innings stretch, but Bucs' Rightfielder Jaden Lyburtus's second home run of the game provided Orange Coast with a two-run lead in the 8th inning.  The Cougars cut that lead in half on Second Baseman Victor Heredia's solo home run in the bottom of the 9th but were unable to close the gap.  Cuesta Reliever Dane Truer was saddled with the loss, while Orange Coast Relievers Lyndon Glidewell and Diamond Loosli earned the win and save, respectively.  Cuesta Catcher Dalton Cram (pict) drove in a pair of runs to help power the Cougars' offense and joined Heredia with a team-high two hits in the game. Today's setback marked the Cougars' third straight one-run game and both #10 Cuesta and #19 Orange Coast are now 3-2 on the season.

The Cougars host Orange Coast for the series finale on Saturday (Noon).