Monterey Park, Calif. – The Mt. SAC baseball team turned a back-and-forth battle into a late-game statement, pulling away for a 7–3 win over East Los Angeles College on Tuesday to open their three-game series. With the victory, the Mounties improve to 12–15 overall and 9–4 in South Coast Conference play, while the Huskies fall to 8–18 and 4–6 in conference.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
This one had all the makings of a tight contest early, with both teams exchanging runs through the first six innings before Mt. SAC finished strong to secure the win.
East L.A. struck first in the opening frame, as Daniel Quiroz delivered an RBI single to bring home Moses Aguirre for a 1–0 lead.
Mt. SAC answered right back in the second inning when Andrew Alva launched a solo home run to even things up.
The Huskies regained the lead in the third, using a Quiroz groundout to plate Phillip Chaidez and make it 2–1.
In the fifth inning, Frankie Brazil sparked another response for the Mounties, reaching on a fielder's choice that allowed Jackson Giacone to score and tie the game at 2–2.
ELAC countered yet again in the bottom half, with Chaidez connecting for a double to center to bring home Adrian Rodriguez and reclaim a 3–2 lead.
The turning point came in the seventh. Brazil came through once more with an RBI single to score Giacone, and moments later, a passed ball allowed Chip Mertz to cross the plate—giving Mt. SAC its first lead of the day at 4–3.
From there, the Mounties took control. In the eighth inning, Giacone and Mertz each delivered RBI singles to extend the lead, bringing in Terrell Jackson Jr. and Isaac Fanoga and putting the game out of reach at 7–3.
Tomas Bilvado got the start, grinding through six innings while allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out three. Jack Rudometkin provided relief before Juan Verduzco shut the door to secure the win.
KEY PLAYERS:
- Chip Mertz: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 1 run, SB
- Jackson Giacone: 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 3 runs
- Phillip Chaidez (ELAC): 1-for-3, RBI, double; also struck out seven over six innings pitched
NEXT UP:
The Mounties will host the Huskies for game two of the series on Thursday, March 26, at 2:00 PM.
STAY CONNECTED:
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.