Cougars Can't Come All The Way Back in 8-6 Loss
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bakersfield
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 1 |
|
Canyons
|
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 2 |
By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director
College of the Canyons overcame an early three-run deficit to Bakersfield College but couldn't do it a second time, eventually falling 8-6 despite a strong appearance from starter Joseph Jasso.
Canyons (9-16, 3-5) has now lost the first two games of its three-game series vs. Bakersfield following a strong showing at the annual Spring Classic Tournament hosted by Allan Hancock College.
The Cougars fell behind 3-0 in the first inning as Jasso struggled to settle in but got two runs back on Frankie Malagon's two-run single through the right side in the bottom of the inning.
Still training 3-2, Malagon tied the game with a solo home run to straight-away center field in the fifth inning. Malagon finished the game 3-for-5 with a home run, double, two runs and four RBIs.
Meanwhile, Jasso was able to find is rhythm and promptly sat down the next 12 batters in order, while striking out the side in the fifth inning. He finished the game with a season-high 11 strikeouts but suffered the loss after surrendering a pair of sixth inning runs, one of which was unearned.
Bakersfield (13-12, 4-4) came up with two more runs in the seventh off Cougar reliever Derek Hughes to move ahead at 7-3.
Malagan struck again with an RBI double in the seventh as the Cougars sparked a bit of a rally. Later it was Isaiah Dominguez coming up with an RBI base hit that scored Malagon. Hunter Essang brought home a third run in the inning with his RBI sac-fly that made it a 7-6 affair.
The Renegades added another run in the ninth at 8-6 then handed the ball to closer Kaleb Pinedo. Canyons got its leadoff batter aboard but couldn't get any closer.
Top Performers
- Isaiah Dominguez –1-for-5, RBI
- Alex Freund – 1-for-3, 2 BB, 2B, SB
- Joseph Jasso – L (3-4), 6 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 11 K
- Jung Jun Lee – 1-for-5, R, SB
- Frankie Malagon – 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI
- Jose Mariano – 3-for-4, sac-fly, 2B, R
Upcoming Schedule
Canyons will complete its series vs. the Renegades at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, back in Bakersfield.
The Cougars will then open a three-game set vs. L.A. Valley College, with the opener being played at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Mike Gillespie Field.
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
—Photo by Robert Hanashiro/COC Sports Information