COD (5-1) jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first and four runs in the second, then exploding for nine runs in the fifth to thump Imperial Valley (1-4), 18-1

Freshman right handed starting pitcher Braden Turner (Henderson (NV) Basic Academy) had an impressive day on the mound, tossing nine strike outs over six shutout innings, grabbing his first win of the season. Three pitchers: freshman left handed relief pitcher Anthony Sillas (Palm Desert H.S.), freshman right handed relief pitcher Ethan Penrod (Danville Monte Vista) and freshman right handed relief pitcher Isaac Manaugh (Henderson (CO) Prairie View) all combined to shut down the Imperial Valley lineup, striking out six.

Sophomore first baseman Jacob Mejia (Palm Desert H.S.) had a great day at the plate, clobbering his first home run of the season, punching a grand slam to deep right in the 9-run fifth, going 2 for 3 on the afternoon with six runs batted in. Sophomore center fielder Antonio Crews (Grayslake (IL) Central) went 2 for 2, sophomore catcher Tyler Swan (Gilroy Christopher) 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and sophomore right fielder Joeseph Jimenez (Palm Desert H.S.) went 1 for 3 with three RBI's, hitting a bases clearing double in the fifth.

The next contest for Desert is on Wednesday, February 8th at 5p at the Compton Tartars. The next home game for the Roadrunners is Saturday, February 11th at 12p against the Irvine Valley Lasers.

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

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo.