Rustlers Complete Sweep in Comeback Fashion

Huntington Beach, CA - Golden West baseball (21-10, 8-4 OEC) swept the Cypress Chargers (17-13-1, 3-9 OEC) on Saturday, 12-6. 

Golden West visited Cypress College for the series finale against the Chargers. The Rustlers won the series earlier in the week as they took the first two matchups in three-run victories, 8-5 and 7-4. Both wins for Golden West were in come from behind fashion in the later innings that allowed the team to come out on top by three. At Cypress College, Golden West looked to complete their first Orange Empire Conference series sweep of the season. 

Cypress struck first with a grand slam in the second frame for a four run lead, 0-4. Golden West scored their first run in the top of the fourth from a bases loaded sacrifice fly out RBI from Daniel Cuadras, 1-4. The Chargers replicated the Rustlers offense and added a run from an RBI fly out in the bottom of the fourth, 1-5. Golden West pressured the Chargers pitcher as Cuadras earned an RBI from a bases loaded walk, 2-5. Off of multiple Charger errors, the Rustlers scored a run to come within two runs, 3-5. On a comebacker right back to the pitcher, Jack Salmon singled off the pitcher's leg for an RBI hit, 4-5. 

On a two strike count and down to their final out, Salmon stepped into the box to change the course of the game. He made strong contact and demolished the ball over the right field fence to tie the game and sent it to the bottom of the ninth, 5-5. For nearly two innings, neither offense was able to score in extras to finish the afternoon. However, in the 11th frame Golden West lit up the scoreboard with seven runs in the single inning. 

A costly error allowed Robert Castillo to reach base and Salmon scored the winning run from a dropped third strike wild pitch, 6-5. Kaleb Duncan roped a two-RBI single to extend the lead and add insurance runs, 9-5. Ayden Garcia followed with a monstrous two-run home run and Zech Samayoa went back to back for the seven run advantage, 12-5. The Chargers hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 11th but could not come back. Golden West took the game and swept the series against Cypress, 12-6. 

At the top of the lineup, Duncan had an incredible game as he went 3-6 with a walk, two RBIs and a run scored. Garcia had an impactful home run in extras as he went 2-6 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Salmon turned the game around in the ninth and came up clutch with a home run with he 4-5 day as he tallied two RBIs and two runs. Within the Orange Empire Conference, Golden West sits atop tied with Santa Ana each with an 8-4 record. The Rustlers completed the sweep of the Chargers to earn their 21st win overall and eighth conference victory. 

UP NEXT: The Rustlers will begin a three-game conference series against the Saddleback Bobcats on Tuesday April 9th. First pitch from Fred Hoover Field at Golden West College will be at 2pm.