Bulldogs Bounce Back with Convincing Win over Cerritos

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College baseball program bounced back on day three of the AHC Spring Tournament with a convincing 19-5 victory over Cerritos College on Thursday afternoon. | BOX SCORE

The Bulldogs (17-17) got hot early after rattling off five quick runs in the first frame. Luke Wenzel started the frenzy by driving in three runs with a double up the middle, while Jacob Steels and Dylan Howell were each credited with an RBI after bases-loaded walks. Cerritos (9-24) responded with a pair of runs in the next frame while both teams were scoreless in the third. Hancock caught fire again in the fourth with an eight-run streak, sparked by an RBI single from Kalub Ramirez through the right side. Brayan Nunez, Vander Hodges, and Howell also recorded two RBIs apiece in the inning while Jacob Ruley picked up one.

Nunez and Steels came through once more in the fifth as they both drove home two runners with shots to the outfield. The Falcons managed to plate three runners in the sixth, but one RBI each for L. Wenzel and Zach Martinez kept Cerritos at bay in the bottom of the frame and ended the scoring for both parties.

Nunez led the Bulldogs at the plate with four RBIs and two runs after a 2-for-4 performance, while L. Wenzel registered four RBIs and three runs on one hit. Howell and Steels also had productive days at the plate after combining for a total of six RBIs, four walks, and three triples. 

Kaden Bean earned the start and collected his first win of the season on the bump. He struck out one batter and scattered two hits through as many innings. Bradley Waite and Hodges combined for eight strikeouts through the final three frames but did not factor into the final decision. Isaac Baez and Christian Dijkman also appeared briefly on the mound with non-decision performances.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Tuesday, April 19th, at home for a conference showdown against Moorpark College. The first pitch is set for 3 PM on John Osborne Field.