No. 15 Palomar Stuns San Diego City with Eight-Run Eighth Inning to Win 11-6

SAN MARCOS, CA (3/17/2025) -- Down 6-3 entering the bottom of the eighth, the No. 15-ranked Palomar College baseball team erupted for eight runs to complete a thrilling 11-6 comeback victory over San Diego City College in Monday's makeup game at Bob Vetter Field. The Comets (15-7, 7-1 PCAC) have now won five straight games and continue to climb the rankings, now sitting at No. 3 in Southern California.

Eighth-Inning Comeback Stuns the Knights

San Diego City jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first four innings and adding two more in the seventh to hold a 6-3 advantage.

Palomar responded in dramatic fashion in the eighth. Brendan Shanahan delivered the game-tying, two-run double, bringing the home crowd to life. Nate Smith followed with a go-ahead, two-run triple, giving the Comets their first lead since the fifth inning. Justin Tucker and Carter Jorissen added RBI hits, and by the time the dust settled, Palomar had sent 13 batters to the plate and put up eight runs, securing the 11-6 lead.

Shutdown Relief Seals the Win

• Joey Halter (W, 1-0) was lights out, throwing 2.1 hitless innings to earn the win.
• Mason Garris was sharp in relief, tossing 2.2 innings without allowing an earned run while striking out four.
• Pete Knorr started and worked four innings, allowing three earned runs before turning it over to the bullpen.

Key Performances

• Brendan Shanahan: 4-for-5, 2B, 3 RBIs, 2 runs
• Nate Smith: 1-for-2, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs
• Carter Jorissen: 3-for-4, RBI
• Justin Tucker: 1-for-4, 2 RBIs, run scored
• Joey Halter (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
• Mason Garris: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R (0 ER), 4 K

Looking Ahead

Palomar (15-7, 7-1 PCAC) will travel to Imperial Valley College on Tuesday before returning home for the series finale against the Desert Warriors on Thursday, wrapping up the first round of conference play.