Sam Reel - LA MIRADA, Calif

The Shepherds picked up their fourth win of the season on Sunday afternoon as they defeated the the Inland Valley Pirates to move to 4-5 on the season. The Shepherds did what they have struggled to all season, get a lead early and hold it. Emry Jackson played a large role in that, as the Shepherds’ starter went three hit less innings, striking out five along the way. The lone flaw Jackson had was allowing a walk in the second inning.

The offense took over from there as they scored six runs over the first two innings, including five in the bottom of the first. Shepherds’ third baseman Tommy Acuna got things rolling for the Shepherds as he drove in the first two runs on the day with a single out to left. Acuna now has back to back games with two hits and two RBI. A Will Cline walk with the bases loaded drove in the third run before Noah Reitmeyer knocked in two more with a single to center. Sebastian Dunn would create a run all by himself in the second, as he led off the inning with a walk, then stole second and third and scored as the throw down to third sailed into left field.

The Sheps’ bullpen was dominant and picked up right where the starter Jackson left off. First out of the pen was two-way player Joey Scotvold as he pitched two innings of one-run ball. Scotvold got into trouble during the fifth inning by loading the bases but was able to get out of the jam by striking out the pinch hitter AJ Moreno. Andrew White threw a perfect sixth, and then Austin Hallman struck out the side in the seventh to seal the win.

Next Game

The Shepherds will take on the Solano Beach Redbirds at 5:00 pm as they look to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. Fans can watch live at Facebook.com/socalfcabaseball