VAN NUYS -- The Ventura County Pirates (1-0) defeated the So Cal Shepherds (0-1) 4-2 Saturday at LA Valley College.

Joshua Cerpa (Glendale CC), Kyle Soberano (Illinois St) and Danny Veloz (LA Pierce) contributed one RBI apiece. Darren Taylor (Chaffey) added two hits. Jason Starrels (USC) earned the win, tossing two innings and striking out two.

Connor Aldrich (Charleston Southern) led the way for the Shepherds with two hits, one RBI and one run scored.

The two teams do battle again on Monday at 4:30 PM.