Fresno City College Holds Off Sacramento City, 5-4

Fresno City College defeated Sacramento City 5-4 in a tightly contested game on February 15, 2025. Despite a late surge from Sacramento City, the Rams' pitching staff held firm, and a timely offensive effort secured the win. The game saw strong performances from both teams, but Fresno City's ability to capitalize on early opportunities proved the difference.

Early Advantage for Fresno City

The game started with a strong showing from Fresno City's offense. In the first inning, Jace Davies led off with a walk, and Elijah Moultrie drove him in with an RBI single to give the Rams an early 2-0 lead. They tacked on another run in the second inning when Moultrie picked up another RBI, pushing the advantage to 3-0.

Sacramento City Responds

Sacramento City struck back in the fourth inning, plating three runs to tie the game at 3-3. The rally began with a solo homer by Jackson Blakley, followed by an RBI double from Tyson Mayberry and a single from Lucas Drake, making it a tight game. They added a run in the fifth inning when Mayberry drove in a run with an RBI single, briefly giving Sacramento City a 4-3 lead.

Fresno City Retakes the Lead

The Rams didn't stay down for long. They responded in the bottom of the fifth inning when McGuire Smith's two-run double scored both Gilbert Acosta and Moultrie, regaining the lead at 5-4. This proved to be enough as Fresno City's pitchers shut down Sacramento City the rest of the way.

Strong Pitching Effort by Fresno City

Bowen Salyards started on the mound for Fresno City, going four innings and allowing four runs on five hits. Williams Bastos followed up with two strong innings of relief, giving up just one hit while striking out one. Michael Klein finished the game with three innings of scoreless ball, striking out six batters, earning the win, and keeping Sacramento City from scoring again.

Sacramento City's Pitching and Late Attempts

Sacramento City's starter, Joe Muraoka, pitched four innings, giving up four runs on five hits while striking out two. Drew Brown was brilliant in relief, pitching three scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Nick Sawyer came on in the eighth but allowed one more run to Fresno City, resulting in the loss.

Key Performances:

Sacramento City:

• Jackson Blakley – 1-for-5, HR, 1 RBI
• Tyson Mayberry – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
• Lucas Drake – 2-for-4, 1 RBI

Fresno City:

• Elijah Moultrie – 1-for-4, 1 RBI
• McGuire Smith – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
• Michael Klein (W) – 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 6 SO