Golden West Hits to Home Runs in Loss to San Diego Mesa

Huntington Beach, CA - Golden West baseball (2-2, 0-0 OEC) began a three game series with San Diego Mesa (2-2, 0-0 PCAC), 2-6 

San Diego Mesa made the trip up north in hopes of clear skies and no rain. The Rustlers and Olympians got just that as the dark clouds parted and the sun began to shine on Fred Hoover Field. At Golden West College, the action started early with San Diego Mesa able to load the bases at the top of the first. Starter for Golden West, JD Rodriguez, struck out the side before any damage as San Diego Mesa left three runners stranded. 

In their first opportunity, the Rustlers jumped out ahead with the long ball. Designated hitter Ayden Garcia launched the ball far and high over the right field fence for a solo blast and lead, 1-0. Three scoreless innings later, the Olympians tied it with an RBI single, 1-1. San Diego Mesa took the edge in the fourth frame off of an RBI hit, 1-2. In the sixth, the Olympians tallied more runs on a sacrifice bunt and a single. San Diego Mesa scored an additional four runs to take a substantial lead, 1-6. Dylan Lina stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth and roped a home run over the left center wall.

However, it was too little and too late for the Rustlers as they dropped their meeting to the Olympians, 1-5. Leadoff hitter Kaleb Duncan collected two knocks and a walk while Garcia earned an RBI on his long ball. Lina also roped a home run on his only hit of the day. Rodriguez delivered 5.0 frames and struck out four. JJ Robles came in for relief for 3.0 innings and Grant Faris closed out the game. 

UP NEXT: The Rustlers will play a second game against San Diego Mesa on Saturday, February 3rd. First pitch will be at 12pm.