Baseball Splits Series with Bakersfield

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College baseball team split in a two-game series with Bakersfield College last week, dropping the first game on the road before picking up a victory at home on Saturday. Hancock moves to 6-4 on the series while the Renegades fall to 5-4 overall. 

The Bulldogs will face off against Cerritos College this week for a three-game series, beginning with a road trip on Tuesday. They'll return to John Osborne Field for a 2 PM game on Friday (Feb. 21) and a 1 PM game on Saturday (Feb. 22).

GAME ONE: BC 5, AHC 0 | BOX SCORE

Bakersfield shut out Allan Hancock in a dominant pitching performance, securing a 5-0 victory. The Bulldogs struggled offensively, mustering just five hits throughout the contest while committing two errors. The Renegades' pitching staff kept the visiting hitters in check, recording 12 strikeouts.

On the offensive side, Bakersfield took advantage of key opportunities, capitalizing on walks and timely hitting to plate five runs. Despite a strong start from Hancock's pitcher Liam Taft, who struck out nine in six innings, the lack of offensive support proved costly.

GAME TWO: AHC 11, BC 1 | BOX SCORE

Allan Hancock responded emphatically in the rematch, routing Bakersfield 11-1 at John Osborne Field. The home team's offense exploded with 14 hits, including a home run, while the Renegades struggled to generate offense after notching just two hits and one run.

The Bulldogs took control early, consistently pressuring Bakersfield's pitchers and drawing eight walks. The pitching staff also delivered, holding BC to a single run, which came in the seventh inning via a solo home run.

Andrew Sandoval led the way in the box, going 4-for-4 on the day with one double and three RBIs. Josue Garcia recorded four RBIs via a three-run homer and a fielder's choice that plated one. Braden Oliver also drove in a trio of runs after a 3-for-5 showing at the plate.

Raffael Chiarella picked up his first win of the season on the bump after 6.1 innings of work. He struck out six batters and walked four while surrendering one earned run on as many hits.