Baseball hosted Reedley for the second and final game of their home and away series, but the Valentine's Day special went the distance-plus without a clear outcome for either team.  The Cougars and Tigers completed 11 innings, before the game was called for darkness, just before the 12th began, tied, 8-8.  The Cougars started the game strong behind Freshman Lefthander Robinson Lardner.  Lardner had his previous start rained out on Saturday and he began the game with a vengeance. He struckout the first five batsmen he faced and left the game with a one-run lead in the 6th inning, along with nine punchouts under his belt.  The contest, however, was not yet at its halfway point.  The Tigers took the lead with a three-run, 7th inning, while Cuesta shuffled through three pitchers to get out of the inning.  The Cougars were able to catch the Tigers after the stretch on All State Third Baseman Zachary Tallerman's sacrifice fly, however after that run the game remained tied and scoreless into the 9th inning.  Reedley manufactured a run of three singles and an error to take the lead in the top of the frame, but all-Conference Outfielder Ethan Royal's solo home run brought the Cougars even for good.  Both teams stranded two runners over the last two innings and the game ended after Cuesta's Mattias Sessing was caught stealing, moments after collecting his career-high fourth hit of the contest.  The tie moves the Cougars to 5-4-1 on the season and marks the Cougars first tie-game since 2008, when they tied Orange Coast, 5-5.  

The Cougars travel to Mission Viejo this Thursday (4 PM) and Friday (1 PM) to complete their pre-conference schedule with a two-game set against Saddleback.  The host Bobcats are ranked #3 in the pre-season polls.  

Photo Courtesy of Emily Valdez