COD (8-22; 5-9) attempted a rally late, scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but fell short trying to win the series over the San Bernardino Valley Wolverines (13-20; 6-11), 9-4.

The opportunity to win the series will present itself, as both teams will try to win the rubber game of the three game set on Saturday at San Bernardino Valley, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m.

The Roadrunners received some fantastic production from the 5-6-7 batters on the day as they combined to go 6 for 14 with a run scored a three runs batted in and a walk.

The Wolverines would get onto the board first as they plated a run in the top of the first and two more runs in the top half of the third inning, before Desert scored their first run in the bottom of the third. Where freshman left fielder Joshua Hernandez (Palm Desert H.S.) punished a two out double to center, reached third base on a wild pitch and scored on another wild pitch to get the Roadrunners to within two, 3-1.

San Bernardino Valley would add three more runs in the top of the fourth and another run in the top of the fifth to take a 7-1 lead.

Desert would get back onto the board in the bottom of the seventh as Hernandez grabbed a one out walk, which chased the Wolverines starting pitcher. Sophomore third baseman Nick Follett (Toronto (ONT) Bishop Allen Academy) would walk and both runners would advance on a wild pitch. Freshman first baseman Jonathan Mejia (Palm Desert H.S.) loaded the bases with another walk and freshman second baseman Nathaniel Lopez (Palm Desert H.S.) punched a bloop single to center to score Hernandez, getting the Roadrunners to within five, 7-2.

The Wolverines would add two more runs in the top of the eighth, but Desert would get those runs back with the opportunity to score more in the bottom of the ninth.

Follett led off the ninth with a single to center and Lopez crushed a one out double to left, putting runners on second and third with one out. Sophomore center fielder Austin Clifton (Romoland Heritage) grounded out to the short stop, scoring Follett and sophomore designated hitter Julian Gonzalez (Palm Springs H.S.) grabbed a two out single to left to bring in Lopez. Unfortunately, that would be all the scoring on the afternoon for the Roadrunners.

Next home game for College of the Desert Baseball will be Friday, April 13th at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., where they will continue Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play by hosting a double header against the San Diego City Knights. Hope to see you there.

Photo by Michael Leone Photography (f8leone@yahoo.com)

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.