Huntington Beach, Calif. - Golden West College baseball dominated San Diego Mesa 10-3 on Thursday after Johnnie Valdez Jr. pitched seven shutout innings and a contagious offensive production. The Rustlers improved their record to 2-1 with this win.
Valdez had an unhittable arsenal on the mound in today's outing, holding the San Diego Mesa batters to two hits. He struck out six of the 24 hitters he faced, only walking one. Valdez threw 81 pitches today and looks to continue building endurance to pitch late into the game during future starts.
The Rustler offense showed up in the bottom of the sixth inning, putting three runs on the board. Shortstop Rocco Caballero started the inning off with a triple to left center, cranking up the energy in the Rustler dugout.
Catcher Ayden Garcia scored Caballero off a single to right field. A double down the left field line from first baseman Dylan Kordic advanced Garcia to third, setting Jack Salmon up for success later that inning. Salmon batted Garcia and Kordic in after putting the ball into play and advancing to second on an error by San Diego's shortstop.
Offensive production exploded in the bottom of the seventh for the Rustlers. Kordic singled to right field, putting two more runs on the board. A sacrifice fly by center fielder DJ McEvers gave the Rustlers another run. Salmon scored Kordic, earning his third RBI of the game.
Scoring did not stop there for the Rustlers. Third baseman Matthew Olivares was issued a base on balls, walking a runner in to increase their lead 8-0. Second baseman Preston Allen brought the last two runs in with a double to left center before the close of the seventh inning.
With a 10 run lead against San Diego, defensive substitutions were made from the Golden West bench. Alex Ramos came out of the bullpen to defend the Valdez's shutout performance. A defensive error and fielder's choice awarded San Diego three runs, all of which were not earned by Ramos. Ramos walked two batters and got a strikeout. Grant Faris closed the game for the Rustlers, securing the win.
The Rustlers look to sweep San Diego Mesa on the road Friday at 1 p.m.
Written By: Marissa Lavezzari
