The Sea Kings Varsity spotted the Barons of Fountain Valley three runs in the first inning and could never make up the gap, ultimately losing 5-4 on Wednesday.
The Sea Kings closed the deficit to one run when they posted two runs in the top of the fourth inning. With one out in the frame, a walk to Charlie Kaster (‘26) was followed by a single by Stevie Jones (‘26). A double by Sea Kings’ third baseman William Chiechi (‘25) then drove in both runners.
The Barons punched back in the top of the fifth inning with a run to push the lead back out to 4-2.
In the top of the sixth inning, the trio of Kaster, Jones and Chiechi struck again. This time, the roles were reversed with Kaster getting the one-out single followed by a walk to Jones. After Kaster advanced to third base on a wild pitch, Chiechi drove him home with a ground out to shortstop and the score stood at 4-3.
Again, Fountain Valley answered. In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Barons tacked on a run thanks to two Sea Kings’ errors.
The Sea Kings mounted one final charge in the seventh inning, scoring a run, but ultimately left the tying run on base as the final gun sounded.
Kaster, Jones and Chiechi accounted for the bulk of the Sea Kings offense on the day. Kaster was one for two plus a walk, and scored two runs. Jones, who extended his on-base streak to four games, was one for one plus two walks, while scoring a run. Chiechi was one for three with a double, and three RBI.
The Sea Kings got excellent work out of the bullpen from Will Chavez (‘26). Chavez pitched two and two-thirds innings, allowing zero earned runs on one hit. He also struck out three Barons without issuing a free pass.
The Sea Kings Varsity and Fountain Valley will face off in the rubber match of the series on Friday, March 28.