(Walnut, CA) Winning 10 of its last 12 games, the Mounties continued to hold down first place in the South Coast Conference North with a 9-3 win over second-place Chaffey College on Tuesday April 3.
The Mounties were led by pitcher Mason Corneliussen with his eighth win of the season as he went seven innings and scattered five hits and two runs. Corneliussen, who is second in the state with his eight wins, struck out seven.
"As a team we're looking real good," Corneliussen said. "It's the back half of the season and we're just looking forward to keep getting stronger and better.
"I don't think we've peaked as a team yet and that's kind of scary."
Mt. SAC second-year coach John Knott knew how important this three-game series with Chaffey College was to their success going forward the remainder of the season.
"We played a complete game (Tuesday) in a very competitive league showdown," Mt. SAC coach John Knott said.
"Mason threw seven strong innings, mixing his pitches and keeping the ball around the zone.
"Our defense played well collectively, which was highlighted by a few great plays by (right fielder) Elijah Greene and (centerfielder) Manny Galvan.
The Mounties, who lost the second game of the series to Chaffey, 9-7, on Thursday, hold a two-game lead over Chaffey and East L.A. colleges.
Mt. SAC will conclude its three-game series against the Panthers on Saturday.
The Mounties, ranked fifth in the state, took a 3-0 lead in the fifth, which was highlighted by a 2-run double by Michael Sandoval (4 for 5, R, 4 RBIs, Dbl.).
They extended the lead to 6-2 in the seventh and added here more in the eighth.
Mt. SAC had doubles from five players led by Sandoval.
"Offensively we had contributions from a number of guys but Michael (Sandoval) led the way with his four hits," Knott added.
"For us to be successful we have to be in the game one pitch at a time and one game at a time."
Contributing with two hits each was Greene (2 for 4, 2 R, RBI, Dbl.), catcher Chris Sandberg (2 for 3, 2 R, Dbl.) and Galvan (2 for 4, R).
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