Cougs Get Shutout 3-0 at Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. — The College of the Canyons baseball team lost its third straight game on Thursday, this time getting shut out by Antelope Valley College 3-0.

The Cougars only managed six hits off an Antelope Valley pitching staff that frustrated head coach Chris Cota's lineup all afternoon.

AVC scored single runs in the first, third and fifth innings and relied on a strong performance by starter Clayton Rablej who pitched seven innings and allowed six hits, two walks and no runs. 

Freshman lefty Cy Scott started the game and took the loss after going four and 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits, with four strikeouts. COC reliever Zach Hanks entered in the fifth inning and turned in three and 2/3 innings of near flawless work.

The best chances for the Cougars came early in the game. In the top of the third inning, COC's Jake Ryan walked, Colton Burns singled, and a sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position with one out.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, the next two batters could not capitalize in either situation with shortstop Jose Haros grounding out to third base and right fielder Roy Verdejo striking out to end the inning. 

In the top of the fourth inning, the Cougars would be frustrated once more after again stranding a runner on the basepaths.

With one out, COC center fielder Jassen Oliver tripled and found himself at third with no outs, but neither left fielder Cole Mears nor designated hitter Isaac Yoshinaga could bring in the run, eventually ending the rally.

In total, the Cougars left nine men on base against Antelope Valley. Despite the frustrating day for the Canyons lineup, several players had a good day at the plate.

Burns' two hits extended his personal hitting streak to five games. He has a .429 batting average over that span.

Oliver's two hits added to his own hot streak, as the freshman outfielder is now 7-for-13 over his last five games.

The loss drops COC's record to 12-8 overall and to 5-3 in conference play.

The Cougars will next return home to face Antelope Valley for the last time this season, at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21.