Rustlers Explode for 18 Hits in 13-4 Rout of Fullerton in OEC Play

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The Golden West College baseball team turned in an offensive clinic on Tuesday afternoon, racking up 18 hits in a dominant 13-4 victory over visiting Fullerton College in Orange Empire Conference action at Hoover Field.

The Rustlers (17-18, 4-12 OEC) scored in six different innings and used a balanced offensive attack along with a steady pitching performance to secure the conference win over the Hornets (19-16, 6-10 OEC).

Golden West wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, breaking the game open in the second inning with a decisive rally. After loading the bases, catcher Max Senesac delivered the biggest swing of the game, launching a grand slam to left field to give the Rustlers an early 4-0 advantage.

Fullerton responded in the third inning with a two-run single from Luke Viola to cut the deficit in half, but the Rustlers answered right back in the bottom half. Cole Belfanti lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home a run and extend the lead to 5-2.

The Hornets continued to chip away in the fourth inning, drawing within 5-3 on a bases-loaded walk, but Golden West again responded with authority.

The Rustlers broke the game open for good in the fifth inning, plating five runs to take full control. Senesac added an RBI on a sacrifice bunt, Michael Hollis followed with a sacrifice fly, and Matt Fox drove in a run with a single. Nick Salmon then capped the inning with a two-run home run to right field, pushing the lead to 10-3.

Golden West continued to add on in the sixth inning when Belfanti came through again, singling and later scoring on a defensive miscue to make it 12-3. Fullerton added a run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly, but the Rustlers answered in the bottom half as Isaac Ocampo ripped an RBI double down the left field line to close out the scoring at 13-4.

The Rustlers' lineup produced contributions throughout the order. Senesac led the way with a monster performance, going 2-for-3 with a grand slam and five RBIs. Salmon added a 2-for-3 effort with a home run and two RBIs, while Hollis was a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and two doubles.

Belfanti scored three runs and drove in two, while Brian Trujillo also crossed the plate three times as part of the offensive surge. James Latshaw chipped in three hits and two doubles, and Zach Fany added a pair of hits and two runs scored.

On the mound, Elias Reyes (2-2) earned the win in relief, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. Starter Ty Hanley struck out six over 3.2 innings, allowing three runs, while Marcel Mercado provided two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Wyatt Thomas closed out the game, allowing one run over the final two innings.

As a staff, the Rustlers held Fullerton to just six hits while working around 10 walks, and the defense remained solid with no errors while turning multiple double plays.

The series continues on Thursday, April 16th as the Rustlers travel to Fullerton for a 2pm start.