Playing their third of four games this week, the San Bernardino Valley College pitching staff got a break Friday as Nathaniel Mendoza pitched a complete game as SBVC shut out Victor Valley 7-0 in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Mendoza allowed four hits and one walk while striking out nine, while the Wolverines' defense was nearly perfect behind him.

And the SBVC hitters gave him run support early. With one out in the first Justin Robles was hit by a pitch from starter Rhese Gomez, then stole second. After a line-out by Derek Bogh, Patrick Perez pulled a ball down the right field line into the corner for a triple to score Robles. Perez came home a couple of pitches later, as a Gomez pitch got away allowing Perez to score on a wild pitch.

Up 3-0 in the fifth, the Wolverines doubled their lead. Edward Aldama led off with a double, then scored on a double by Robles, who later advanced to third on a wild pitch. After Bogh popped out, Perez walked to put runners on the corners. Gage Brandt singled home Robles, chasing Gomez. With Martin Sanchez at the plate, Perez took off and stole third, with Brandt stealing second. The throw from catcher Tyler Avila went to second and sailed into center field, allowing Perez to score.

Robles finished the day 4-for-4 with two runs and two RBI, while Jason Valdivia was 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The Wolverines are scheduled to play at Irvine Valley on Saturday. The two teams are scheduled to complete Thursday's game, which was suspended in the 10th inning tied at 12, before starting their regularly scheduled game.