Freshman Pitcher Robinson Lardner went the distance against local rival Allan Hancock for the Cougars' fourth win of the week, and third against the Bulldogs, 7-2.  Lardner, who improved his record to 3-1, struckout 10 Bulldogs and was within two outs of shutout, when Allan Hancock's Lance Wenzel clubbed a two-run home run to spoil his gem.  Lardner's performance capped a great week for the Cougars' rotation, as all four starting pitchers hurled, at least, eight innings in their victories.  In all, the Cougars used only six pitchers over 36 innings, while winning four games in four days to take over the top spot in the Western State Conference standings.  On offense 2022 All State First Baseman Zachary Tallerman (pict) and Designated Hitter Liam MacDonald provided all the runs Lardner would need.  Tallerman broke open a scoreless game with a two-run home run in the 4th inning, while MacDonald turned his 3-for-4 day at the plate, including a Double, into a two more runs.  Every Cuesta starter connected for, at least, one safety in the game and eight of them either scored or drove in a run in the game, although Tallerman was the only one to do both. The Cougars' four-win week leaves them 1.5 games ahead of the Bulldogs in the standings with a hefty 15 games remaining in WSC play, including one more game against the Bulldogs in Santa Maria.  

Weather permitting, the Cougars have three Western State Conference games scheduled against Los Angeles Pierce next week.  The Brahmas are set to host the Cougars in Woodland Hills on Tuesday (2 PM) and Saturday (1 PM), while also playing in SLO on Thursday (2:30).