Ace keys streaking OCC, 5-3

COSTA MESA — Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli’s superstition checklist for Friday’s nonconference clash against visiting San Diego City revolved around wardrobe.

But, as events unfolded, one might suggest that Altobelli had already ensured the extension of his team’s winning streak to five games by merely writing Keith Demorgandie on the lineup card.

The sophomore starting pitcher threw his second complete-game shutout in two home starts this season, helping the Pirates earn a 5-3 come-from-behind victory over the Knights (3-9).

OCC (6-4) has not lost since Altobelli raised his pant legs to just below the knees to show off his navy blue socks. OCC has also played each of the last five games in its Orange jerseys.

Demorgandie, however, has been tough regardless of fashion factors this season. All three runs allowed Friday were unearned, lowering Demorgandie’s ERA to 0.28. He has yielded just one earned run in 32 innings in 2007.

What’s more, Demorgandie said he has yet to have his best stuff.

“I was average at best today,” said the 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-hander, who is now 11-3 at OCC. “But I’m proud of my team. We stepped up after we got behind.”

Two errors and another miscue on what should have been a double play helped the Knights score three in the second to take a 3-1 lead.

A two-run single by Garrett Smith pulled OCC even in the fourth and Eric Oliver drove in the go-ahead run in the fifth with a one-out sacrifice fly to score Nick Rotkowitz, who singled to lead off the frame.

OCC, which opened the scoring on a two-out RBI by Mike Ferraro in the first, added an insurance run when Brett Slater scored from second when a throwing error ruined as a potential inning-ending double play.

The Pirates’ 10-hit attack included two hits apiece from Smith, Oliver, Slater and Cory Olson.

“Demorgandie didn’t have his best stuff today, so that win took some [fortitude],” Altobelli said. “I’ve told our guys to focus on winning innings and I like the way we’re swinging the bat.”

After giving up a double to cap the Knights’ second-inning rally, Demorgandie retired 19 of the next 22 to help cruise into the ninth.

The Knights put two on with singles in the ninth, but Demorgandie held on to complete the victory on 113 pitches.

Nonconference

Orange Coast 5, San Diego City 3

Score by Innings

SD City 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 6 2

OCC 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 x - 5 10 2

White, Ferreira (5) and Love; Demorgandie and Cota. W -- Demorgandie, 3-0. L -- Ferreira. 2B -- Isbell (SDC).