Indians make a statement in win vs. Rattlers

Meagan Friberg/Paso Robles Press • Aaron Ashton follows through on a hit during a recent game. Ashton and the rest of the Indians made a statement with a 10-7 win over the San Luis Obispo Rattlers on Wednesday.

TEMPLETON — The North County Indians scored a 10-7 win over inter-county rivals San Luis Obispo Rattlers Wednesday night at the Vineyard Athletic Complex in Templeton. 

Indians coach Dan Marple said it was a big win — not only for his team but also the entire North County. 

“This win kind of puts us on the map as a top semi-pro summer program,” Marple said. “We beat a very good ball club tonight, which I think shows the caliber of our team. We were 18-5, but we were still hearing ‘but who have they played?’ Now we are 19-5, and San Luis Obispo baseball fans can’t say that anymore.” 

Indian starting pitcher Sean Safko pitched five innings to gain the win and improve his record to 6-0. The right-hander struck out seven and walked three while allowing four runs.   

The Indian bats were alive as they collected 13 hits, four of which were home runs. They also had a double and a triple. 

Aaron Ashton was 3-for-4 with one home run and one RBI.  Atascadero’s Bryce Cherry was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one home run. Templeton’s Tyler Kollmann continued his hot hitting with a 2-for-3 night with two runs scored, a triple and one home run. Indians shortstop Mike Livingston hit the other homer. 

The Indians scored in every inning except the fifth and the eighth to keep the Rattlers at bay. With the Indians ahead 4-0 going into the fourth inning, the Rattlers tied the game with a four-run rally, aided by two walks. SLO collected two doubles and a single, but the Indians came right back in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own to regain the lead, which they never relinquished. 

Morro Bay’s Cole Mauter relieved Safko in the sixth inning and pitched effectively for three innings, with a big double play in the ninth. Atascadero’s Scott Kaul came in with two outs in the ninth. After a single, Kaul got the game-ending flyout to earn the save.   

“I look forward to playing not only the Rattlers next year but also hope to schedule the San Luis Blues,” Marple said after the win. “It’s good for the entire county to have three legitimate, quality summer collegiate teams.”

The Indians are back in action tonight with a 5 p.m. game against the Wahoos of Santa Barbara County. The two teams will face off again Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at noon for a double-header. All games are played at the Vineyard Athletic Park.

For more information, call 835-6135 or visit northcounty

indians.com.