Canyons Snaps Losing Streak With 7-5 Road Win at Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The College of the Canyons baseball team edged out a thrilling 7-5 road victory over Bakersfield College on Tuesday afternoon to snap an agonizing four-game losing streak.

A Roy Verdejo double in the ninth inning drove in two runs to ensure COC's first victory since April 9.

Verdejo finished the game going 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs. The freshman right fielder leads the team with 37 RBIs and a .367 batting average.

Collin Dudley earned his fifth win of the season (5-2) and was one out away from a complete game.

Dudley put in a lot of work on his way to pitching eight and 2/3 innings. He allowed 12 hits, five runs and struck out seven Renegades hitters.

In 11 appearances, Dudley has a 2.47 ERA while striking out 58 batters in 76 and 2/3 innings.

COC head coach Chris Cota pulled Dudley after the freshman faced his 40th batter, allowing a single a run in the ninth inning. It appeared the Renegades were on their way to a rally.

However, COC reliever Zach Hanks entered the game and secured the final out to end the game and preserve the victory.

The win improves COC's record to 18-16 overall and lifts its conference record to 10-9 putting the Cougars in fifth place behind Western State Conference, South Division leaders Glendale College.

The Cougars will next travel to face Glendale on Thursday, April 23, in the first contest of a home-and-home series.

Canyons will then host the Vaqueros in its regular season finale at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Cougar Field.