Early Season, Big Statement: Foresters Take Down Oaks

The Santa Barbara Foresters continued their undefeated start to the 2026 season Tuesday evening, using a dominant pitching performance and timely hitting to defeat the back-to-back CCL Champs Conejo Oaks 8 — 4 at Ventura College's Pirate Park. The victory improved the 'Sters to 3 wins and 0 losses and continued to showcase the depth of a roster that contributed in all areas within the ball game.

 

Santa Barbara's offense found its comfortable rhythm, particularly in the third inning, and did not look back. Caleb Hoover played a crucial role throughout the evening, scoring the game's first run before later delivering the biggest hit of the game against the Oaks. Hoover, the DH, went 2 for 3 in his at-bats with three runs scored, three RBIs, and a two-run homer that helped push the offensive momentum onto the rest of the cardinal-wearing Foresters.

 

 

 

After Hoover crossed home plate in the third inning, the Foresters were able to add two more runs to build an early cushion against the Oaks. The offense continued to pressure the Oaks in the fourth, with Makani Nabarro igniting the inning. Nabarro went 2 for 4 with a double, a stolen base, and a run score, in which he was able to consistently create opportunities at the top of the 'Sters lineup.

 

Hoover's RBI single welcomed Nabarro home in the fourth, which extended the lead for the Foresters before another run crossed later in the inning. The Foresters struck again with their wooden bats in the sixth when Hoover launched a towering two-run homer, scoring Kurt Ippolito and pushing the 'Sters to six runs.

 

While Hoover was one key piece of the supplied power for Santa Barbara, several other 'Sters in maroon contributed offensively. Chris Newstrom recorded a pair of hits and scored a run, while Liam Wilson delivered a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning. Marcus Greis reached base and scored, while Nick Salmon drove in a run and worked a walk. Ippolito added a hit and a run scored, helping to set the table to end Hoover's approximate eleven-month drought of home runs.

 

The offense totaled nine hits and drew four walks while applying pressure on the defense throughout all nine innings.

 

 

 

However, the Foresters' pitching staff set the tone from the opening pitch. Starter Hunter Vincent delivered four strong innings, allowing just one hit and one run while consecutively striking out six Oaks batters. Vincent had attacked the strike zone and had prevented any sustained offensive threats, giving Santa Barbara the opportunity to build an early lead.

 

Yet, once Vincent walked off the mound, the bullpen continued the dominance and control.  

 

Joey Wittig earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings and striking out two of the Conejo Oaks batters. Will Jordan followed with one of the most efficient outings of the evening, striking out all three Oak batters he faced in the seventh inning. When the Conejo Oaks had attempted to rally late, Lucien Weschberg took control. The right-hander worked the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four batters to earn his first official save of the 2026 season.

 

In total, Foresters pitchers combined for 15 Ks while limiting the Oaks to just 5 hits across nine innings.

 

While the Foresters' offense and pitching stole the spotlight, their defense played a key role in securing the victory. Santa Barbara had effectively communicated on the field, got the ball back into the infield quickly, and hit cutoff men to limit the Oaks' extra-base opportunities. The defense also executed routine plays cleanly and worked in sync with the 'Sters' pitching staff throughout the evening.

 

 

Importantly, the Foresters also displayed their coachability throughout the game. Even in situations that were still a work in progress this early in the season, players made rapid adjustments, responded to instruction, and continued to improve as the game progressed. Three games into the 2026 season, the Foresters have shown early cohesion across all areas of the game, pairing timely hitting with deep pitching and steady defensive execution.

 

Santa Barbara returns to action Wednesday, June 10, when the team travels to face the Arroyo Seco Saints at Jackie Robinson Field in Pasadena.