The Roadrunners took the field Tuesday afternoon to host Pasadena City as the teams began the first of their three game set.

Starting pitcher Matthew Leyva started off the game strong retiring Pasadena City’s first seven batters before allowing a baserunner. The Birds threatened the first couple innings with multiple runners in scoring position, even loading the bases in the first, though were unable to scratch across a run. Pasadena City’s Bryan Richman opened up the scoring in the third with a single and bobbled ball in the outfield that allowed a run to cross, however Leyva was able to limit the damage, retiring the next batter.

The Roadrunners kept up the pressure in the fourth as designated hitter Marcus Hernandez led off the inning with a single. Catcher Izaak Fernandez then followed with a shot to left field for a double though lead runner Hernandez was thrown out trying to advance to third. The Dirty Birds were still threatening with a runner in scoring position, unfortunately though luck was not on their side as the next two batters lined out to both corner infielders.

Despite allowing a pair of doubles in the 5th, Leyva continued to attack hitters, setting them down 1-2-3 in the sixth and seventh innings. In the bottom half of the inning shortstop Diego Helguera put a jolt in the Roadrunners offense with a leadoff double to left. However a bunt by third baseman Matt Covarrubias resulted in a bang-bang play and a collision at first which the umpires ruled as runners interference stalling the Dirty Birds momentum once again.

Leyva looked to continue his strong start through the eighth but was unable to make it through the inning after a pair of singles and a balk put the Lancers up another run making it 3-0. Leyva then exited the game after seven strong innings, posting nine strikeouts. Sophomore Angel Flores was called in relief and despite a sweaty situation with runners on, was ultimately able to make it out of the inning unscathed.

The game was put away in the top of the ninth when Pasadena City exploded for three runs putting the Roadrunners at a six run deficit heading into the bottom of the 9th where they went down quietly 1-2-3.

Up Next
The Roadrunners evened up the series Thursday with a 9-8 victory but dropped the rubber match Saturday with a 11-8 loss. The Dirty Birds will look to get off to a better start Tuesday as they start the first of a three game set against Long Beach.