COD (13-9; 7-4) exploded for 7-runs in the 4th inning, then held on for dear life, eventually scoring the game winner in the 8th, as the Roadrunners avoided a sweep, knocking off the Chaffey Panthers of Rancho Cucamonga (16-5; 9-3), 8-7.

Since 1992, the Roadrunners have a 20-83 overall record against Chaffey. Desert has a 14-36 record against the Panthers in Palm Desert.

Freshman catcher Ben Wade (Alexandria (LA) Holy Savior Menard Central) went 3 for 4 with a run scored and a run batted in, out of the clean-up spot in the lineup. Wade featured in a big way in the 4th inning, he scored to tie the game at 2-2 and in the same inning clobbered a single to score 2 runs to make the score 7-2 and to wrap up the scoring for Desert in the 4th. Freshman right-handed starting pitcher Caleb Ortiz (Indio Shadow Hills) started his second straight game and did not disappoint. He held one of the most potent offences in the state to 7 hits and 4 runs over 5 innings all while grabbing 5 strikeouts in a no decision. Sophomore left fielder Cristian Angulo (Palm Desert H.S.) went 2 for 3, including clobbering a single in the 4th, scoring two and tying the game at 2-2. Freshman designated hitter Jayvin Baxa (La Quinta H.S.) hit a crucial one-out double to left in the 8th, which scored the winning run. Adding insult to injury for the Panthers, is that they intentionally walked Angulo to get to Baxa and he made them pay.

The next match-up for the Roadrunners will be at home, hosting the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles on Tuesday, March 18 at 2:30p. The Roadrunners are looking for their first win over Mt. San Jacinto since April 22, 2023, after the Eagles swept all 4 games during the 2024 season. Since 1992, the Roadrunners have a 47-46 overall record against Mt. San Jacinto. Desert has a 25-22 record against the Eagles in Palm Desert.

Follow COD Athletics on Twitter @COD_Athletics Instagram @COD_Athletics or Facebook @College of the Desert Athletics

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

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Paige M. Perez Photography.