MSJC baseball drops 3 consecutive games
The Mt. San Jacinto College baseball team experienced a series of intense matchups over the past week, showcasing both resilience and challenges on the field. The Eagles played three games, facing Long Beach, El Camino, and a rematch with El Camino, with varying outcomes.
On February 4, 2025, Mt. San Jacinto hosted Long Beach in a tightly contested game that ended in a 5-2 loss for the Eagles. Despite a strong pitching performance from starter Matt Wallin, who allowed only two runs over five innings, the Eagles struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Kaden Spencer and Matt Rezkalah each drove in a run, but defensive errors proved costly, leading to three unearned runs for Long Beach. Jackson Pohl of Long Beach was a standout, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including the go-ahead single in the eighth inning.
Two days later, on February 6, 2025, the Eagles faced El Camino in a high-scoring affair that ended in a 16-8 defeat. Mt. San Jacinto’s offense showed signs of life, with Derek Hurtado leading the charge by going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Justin Granado also contributed with a triple and an RBI, while Louie Arias added a double and an RBI. However, the Eagles’ pitching staff struggled to contain El Camino’s potent lineup, which racked up 14 hits and capitalized on three Mt. San Jacinto errors. Lucas Bonham and Ryan Matsukawa of El Camino were particularly effective, combining for seven hits and six RBIs.
The Eagles bounced back in their rematch against El Camino on February 8, 2025, in a thrilling 10-inning game that ended in an 8-7 loss. Derek Hurtado continued his strong performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs, while Steven Kirtides drove in two runs with a crucial double in the 10th inning. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads multiple times. However, El Camino’s Jack Nammack delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the 10th, driving in three runs with a double to secure the win. Despite the loss, Mt. San Jacinto’s offense showed improvement, tallying 12 hits and scoring seven runs.
Over the three games, Derek Hurtado emerged as a key player for the Eagles, consistently contributing at the plate with multiple hits and RBIs. The team’s pitching staff, however, faced challenges, particularly in the later innings, where they struggled to hold leads and contain opposing offenses.
Mt. San Jacinto will look to build on these performances as they continue their season, aiming to tighten their defense and find more consistency on the mound. The Eagles’ next game will be a crucial opportunity to turn their recent close losses into victories.
