Baseball Uses Third Inning Surge to Overpower Canyons

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - After trailing early in the contest, the Allan Hancock College baseball team used an explosive third inning to surge ahead in the 14-6 victory over College of the Canyons on Saturday afternoon. | BOX SCORE

The Bulldogs (3-1) started slowly, trailing 2-0 after the top of the first inning, but quickly responded with a run in the second before erupting in the third. The 12-run outburst saw them capitalize on timely hitting and Canyons' pitching struggles. 

Hancock's offense was led by Braden Oliver after a 2-for-4 finish with a triple, double, two RBIs, and two runs scored on his stat line. Colin Johnston also had a day, going 3-for-4 at the plate while driving in a pair. Richie Robles provided the power with a home run and three RBIs, while Cesar Garcia added a triple and one RBI. 

The Cougars (0-5) finished with six runs on 11 hits, but they left 12 runners on base, missing several scoring opportunities.

Estevan Fonseca picked up his first win of the season after entering as an early reliever for 1.2 frames. Raffael Chiarella earned the start but did not factor into the final decision after surrendering three earned runs on five hits and striking out four through 2.1 innings. Five other individuals appeared on the mound for one inning each, ending with Gage Mattis as the closer. 

The Bulldogs are set to return to action on Thursday, February 6th, with a three-day road trip to Santa Clarita for the Clash at the Canyons Tournament. They will face off against Cosumnes River College on Thursday and Saturday with a game against the hosting Cougars set for Friday afternoon. 

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