Bulldogs Drop Regional Opener 10-2 at Palomar

(San Marcos, CA) – A five-run fourth inning was too much to overcome as the Allan Hancock College baseball team, playing in its first postseason game in three years, lost 10-2 to host Palomar on Friday at Myers Field. The best-of-three-game series continues on Saturday with the Bulldogs needing two victories to advance to the Super Regionals for the first time since 2010.

The 13^th seeded Bulldogs dropped to 22-14-1 overall, while the Comets extended their winning streak to 16 and improved to 28-9. The No.4 Comets have not lost since March 15.

The Bulldogs were outhit 17 to five. Felipe Gonzalez, a sophomore first baseman, led the Bulldogs with two hits, including a RBI-single in the third inning to score Lompoc High School graduate Evan Aguilar. Ron Regalado, a Righetti High School alumnus, added a RBI-single in the fourth.

Hancock built an early 2-0 lead with single runs in the third and fourth innings, but was outscored 10-0 the rest of the way. The Comets surged ahead with a five run bottom half of the inning against Hancock starting pitcher Nathan Thompson.

The sophomore left-hander dropped to 6-3 after he allowed 12 hits, seven runs, four of which were earned, in 4 2/3 innings. Henry Fienga allowed one hit in 1/3 of an inning. Cody Thompson, Matt Shackley and John Thomas each allowed one run in one inning of relief.

Jake Barnett earned the win for Palomar after he allowed five hits and two runs in eight innings to improve to 8-2. He struck out eight.

Center fielder Dillan Smith and third baseman Jared hunt each went 4 for 5 for the Comets.

The series continues on Saturday with game two at 11 a.m. A third game, if needed, will begin at 3 p.m. The winner of the series advances to the Super Regional to face either No.5 Cerritos or No.12 L.A. Pierce. Host Cerritos defeated the Brahmas 5-1 to open their series. Santa Barbara, the No.6 seed, defeated San Bernardino 9-3, while WSC champion Oxnard edged East Los Angeles 4-3 in 10-innings.