The Ventura County Pirates embark on their maiden voyage in the SBL in 2017. A proud program with a proven track record finds themselves hungry to make noise.

They have the talent to do so. CSU Monterey Bay junior Darren Kriz, who finished with a .297 BA for the Otters, will patrol the outfield. He will be joined in the outfield by Kyle Lathrop (Antelope Valley), who boasted a .331 BA to go along with 20 RBI and 25 runs scored. 

The pitching staff will be one of the most feared in the SBL. Dylan Suppan, nephew of former World Series Champion Jeff Suppan, is a junior from Northern Nazarene University who will excel in the summer season. Brandon Ponticelli (heading to Kansas in 2018) and Jake Carr (Utah Valley University in 2018) will stabilize the staff.

Other key contributors will be freshman Grant Mona (Glendale College) and junior Myles Hager (CSU Monterey Bay). 

The Pirates will immediately be tested as they take on the MLB Academy Barons in an intriguing SBL vs CCL two-game series under the lights at the MLB Urban Youth Academy. Opening pitch for both games is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2. The first ever SBL contest for Ventura County is Friday, June 9 at 5 p.m. as they host the OC Orioles at LA Valley College.