Bulldogs Top Cuesta After Sixth Inning Surge

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College baseball team used a big sixth inning surge to top Cuesta College in a road test on Thursday afternoon, handing the host their first conference loss of the season. | BOX SCORE

Both teams were scoreless through the first two innings, but an RBI single from Jacob Steels got the Bulldogs (10-6, 2-3 WSC) on the board in the third frame and sparked a four-run effort. Evan Steinberger followed up with a deep single that plated one during the next at-bat, while Joey Freitas sent another runner home after notching a fielder's choice. The Cougars (8-10, 4-1 WSC) quickly leveled the playing field by scattering four runs through the next three frames, bringing the score to an even 4-4 after five. 

Bats got hot for the Bulldogs in the sixth inning as they piled on six runs and chased off three Cougars pitchers. Parker Haskell sparked the rally after going the distance with a three-run shot over the wall to put Hancock back on top. Caelan Dalman and Jacob Ruley each plated one runner with back-to-back doubles before an RBI single from Steinberger brought home the final runner of the frame. The Cougars threatened to tie the game again with a two-run homer in the eighth and an RBI double that added two tallies in the ninth, but Luke Kovach put the game away after making quick work of the final two batters from the mound. 

Nate Wenzel earned both the start and the win on the bump after tossing seven innings, moving him to a 4-1 record on the season. He sat down four batters and allowed three earned runs after scattering seven hits. Kovach was credited with his second save after a clutch closeout performance. Vander Hodges also made an appearance on the mound but did not factor into the final decision. 

The Bulldogs are set to close out the three-game series against Cuesta at home on Saturday, March 5th. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 PM at John Osborne Field.