OCC downed in opener

CYPRESS ? The Orange Coast College baseball team lost its first four meetings with Cypress College this season. Saturday, unfortunately, was no exception.

The Pirates were down by 16 runs before rallying somewhat for a 20-7 loss to the Chargers in the first round of a California Community College regional on Saturday.

OCC must win today’s 11 a.m. game to force a third game in the regional. The winner advances to next week’s super regional.

The host Chargers scored at least four runs against each of OCC’s four pitchers. Ryan Shopshire gave up six runs in three-plus innings to take the loss.

The Pirates (24-21) scored seven runs in the sixth inning against Cypress reliever Brandon Dixon. Garrett DeGrazio had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for OCC. Danny Gonzales, Eric Oliver and Matt Meadows each had two hits and an RBI.