Salinas Peppers Vigilantes’ Pitching

MISSION VIEJO â€”  As the Vigilantes’ first homestand draws to a close tonight, there are a couple of problems to be worked out.

One is getting Paul Anderson squared away. The staff ace, who was belted around in Friday’s season opener, was rocked by Salinas on Wednesday, although it was the bullpen that ultimately faltered in a 12-7 loss in front of an announced crowd of 1,906 at Saddleback College.

The other is keeping the regulars healthy.

Before the game, the Vigilantes said outfielder Lonny Stare was placed on the seven-day disabled list with a partially separated right shoulder. Stare hurt his shoulder in Tuesday’s game by crashing into the center-field fence.

Club President Pat Elster said he and other team officials are talking with former major leaguer (and Huntington Beach resident) Bret Barberie.

Of more immediate concern is Anderson, who gave up six runs and 10 hits in six innings.

“In part my [form] is a bit off, but more than that the problem is up here,� said Anderson, tapping his head.

Vigilante Manager Buck Rodgers said, “I went with him as long as we could. He didn’t get much work early, and this is like spring training for him. If we’re going to get him right, he’s going to have to take some lumps and get some throws in.�

The Vigilantes took a 3-0 lead against Salinas starter Wally Ritchie (1-1) in the first on Alan Burke’s RBI single and Eric Brooks’ two-run double.

In the third, Salinas came back with four.

Courtney Arrollado triggered the rally with a leadoff home run, his second. It did not end until Rick Prieto’s sacrifice fly, and a two-run double by Brian Kooiman.

The Vigilantes got even in the bottom of the third--Burke’s sacrifice fly scoring Reuben Smiley, who had doubled and stolen third--and went back in front with two runs in the sixth.

But Prieto’s two-run homer in the seventh not only tied the score--6-6--but chased Anderson.

The Peppers, who had 14 hits, went on to score five more runs in the seventh against relievers Daniel Ehler (0-1) and Jim Rushford to take the lead for good.