Baseball Splits in Season Opener at Sequoias

VISALIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College baseball team split at a two-game series at College of the Sequoias on opening weekend in Visalia. 

The Bulldogs are set to return to the diamond at home on Tuesday, January 28th, versus Long Beach City College. Single-game tickets for the contest, which is scheduled to begin at 2 PM on John Osborne Field, can be purchased at ahcbulldogs.com/ticketing. As per usual, the ticketing gate will be cashless and fans are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to arrival, but credit/debit card purchases can be made at the gate.

GAME ONE: COS 7, AHC 4 | BOX SCORE

The Giants struck first in the opening frame by squeaking one run across the plate after a passed ball and a wild pitch. Hancock battled back in the 5th inning when Richie Robles sent a two-run shot over the fence, briefly leading AHC to take the lead at 2-1, but the hosting COS squad responded with five runs of their own across the 5th and 6th to regain control of the game. 

Josue Garcia was a bright spot at the plate as the lone Bulldog with multiple hits after going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Starting pitcher Liam Taft worked four solid innings in the non-decision appearance, allowing just two earned runs while inducing eight groundouts. Evan Chavez, who was charged with the loss, followed for 0.2 innings ahead of three other Bulldogs who appeared on the bump. 

GAME TWO: AHC 10, COS 9 | BOX SCORE

Game two featured offensive fireworks and clutch performances as both teams combined for 23 hits and 10 runs, but it was AHC's five-run eighth inning that proved to be the game-changer.

COS initially held the advantage, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 5-2 lead, but bats came alive for the Bulldogs late. Trailing 7-5, Hancock exploded for five runs while capitalizing on key hits and fielding errors. Colin Johnston led the charge with a clutch two-run double, part of his 3-RBI performance that included a home run earlier in the game. J. Garcia contributed with a pair of hits and scored twice, consistently providing opportunities at the top of the lineup.

The visiting pitching staff had its ups and downs on the day. Starter Raffael Chiarella pitched four innings, allowing five runs on five hits while striking out three. Relievers Gage Mattis and Austin Moccardini combined for three innings, giving up four runs, but Hunter Beck held strong in the final two innings to close out the game. Beck earned the win, striking out three and allowing no runs in the ninth.

Stay connected with Bulldogs Athletics on social media! Follow us on Facebook, X, & Instagram. To enroll in our athletics text/email alert system, please click here.