By Jason Reed

Sports Editor

The Bakersfield College baseball team started the season 15-2 in its first 17 games of the season, including an eight-game winning streak.  Since then, BC has dropped six of its last nine games, with its latest loss coming against Saddleback College March 28, falling 1-0 in a non-conference game.

Saddleback pitcher Evan Manarino pitched a complete game for his team, allowing one hit, striking out five BC batters and allowed just two runners to touch base.  BC’s first hit didn’t come until the sixth inning when catcher Justin Martinez singled to right field.

“You got to tip your hat to him, he did a good job,” BC head coach Tim Painton said on the opposing pitcher Manarino’s performance.  “If we’re going to be a playoff team that’s what we have to beat; this kind of had a playoff feel, knowing that they are a good club.  We had an opportunity to face a very good pitcher today and we just didn’t get anything done offensively.”

Manarino improved to 7-1 on the season.

BC pitcher Darion Nunn took the mound for BC.  He pitched 7.1 innings, giving up one earned run and struck out four batters.  BC dropped to 10-4 in the Western State Conference and 18-8 overall.  The loss also put them two games behind Glendale College (12-2) for first place in the conference.  Earlier in the season, BC beat Glendale on the road.

“I thought Nunn did an outstanding job on the mound for us,” Painton said on his pitcher’s performance.

“Their pitcher came in with one of the best ERA’s in the state and proved why he is as good as he is.  He pitched very well against us,” said Painton.

BC played L.A. Valley at home April 2, and the result can be found on therip.com. BC will start a two-game series against WSC rival Citrus College. BC is now 18-8 on the season, and tied for second place in the WSC at 10-4 The first game will take place at Citrus, April 6, and will end at BC on April 9.