Fresno, Calif. – Well, it was a tough welcome back for the 2025 3C2A Championship-winning Mt. SAC Baseball Team, dropping back-to-back games at Fresno on January 23–24 to open the year 0–2.

GAME 1: Mt. SAC Falls to Fresno, 9–2

Not sure if it was first game jitters or maybe just trying to find their groove but the Mounties simply got outplayed in this one. Mt. SAC collected seven hits on the day but couldn't keep pace with the Rams, who tallied 13 hits and drove in nine runs.

Mt. SAC used four pitchers, combining for four strikeouts, while Fresno's pitching staff worked through three arms and racked up 11 strikeouts. One of the Mounties' bright spots came from Jackson Giacone, who launched a solo home run, while Brock Foulds added energy on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

For Fresno, Noble Ortega had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Alejandro Aguirre was sharp in relief, throwing three scoreless innings with five strikeouts and no walks.

GAME 2: Mt. SAC Falls in Walk-Off, 5–4

The Mounties showed a much stronger effort in Game 2, jumping out to an early 2–0 lead. Nick Mejia drove in Brock Foulds with a double, and Foulds later brought home Ryan Castro with a sacrifice fly.

Fresno chipped away, scoring once in the third before taking a 3–2 lead in the sixth on hits from Nathan Leffel and Tyler O'Toole. Mt. SAC kept fighting, rallying in the top of the ninth. Mejia delivered again with a double to score Foulds, and Andrew Alva followed with an RBI single to put the Mounties ahead 4–3.

The Rams had the final say, however. Ortega struck again with a walk-off double, driving in two runs to secure the 5–4 win for Fresno.

Hudson Castillo turned in a solid outing for Mt. SAC, pitching five innings and striking out five. Closer Justin Peinado was tagged with the loss after issuing three walks and allowing the game-winning hit.

NEXT UP:

The Mounties return home looking to bounce back as they host Mt. San Jacinto on Tuesday, January 27 at 2:00 PM. Come out and support the defending champions as they chase their first win of the season.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.