Huntington Beach, CA - Golden West baseball (2-1, 0-0 OEC) splits series opener with the Palomar Comets (1-1, 0-0 PCAC). 

Head Coach Andrew Ramos and the Rustlers took the field for the first regular season game of the 2024 year. Though Hoover Field at Golden West was unusable due to rain, the Rustlers were able to stay within their district and play on Wendell Pickens Field at Orange Coast College. 

It was an exciting start for both the Rustlers and Comets as each lineup scored early. In their first opportunity, the Palomar bats tallied their first run of the fresh year from a fielder's choice. The Rustlers responded with a run of their own an inning later. Dylan Lina got the hitting started in the bottom of the second for Golden West as he laced a single. Later in the second, Jack Salmon would launch the ball over the center fielder against the wall and Lina would get waved home. The long RBI double would tie the scoreboard at one apiece and earn the Rustlers first run of the year. 

Palomar would regain the lead in the fourth frame with two runs. A run scoring hit and RBI sacrifice flyout gave the Comets a 3-1 advantage. Golden West threatened in the third and fourth but left two runners on base in each inning. The Comets would extend their lead in the fifth frame off of an error and one hit. An error and two hits by Palomar would give the visiting team a six run lead and the Rustlers would drop the season opener, 7-1. 

Ayden Garcia had a successful day at the plate as he started his year 2-4 and recorded a walk. Salmon collected the only RBI for the Rustlers as he went 1-3 with a walk. JD Rodriguez struck out five batters in his 4.0 innings pitched. JJ Robles came for 1.1 innings of relief and AJ Hernandez and Braden Koch each struck out two. 

On Saturday, Palomar hosted the Rustlers for the final meeting of the two game series. Similar to their first matchup, Golden West managed to score early in the game. Leadoff hitter Kaleb Duncan roped a solo home run to kick off the scoring and give the Rustlers the lead, 1-0. The Comets would answer back quickly as they tied it in the bottom of the second and took a one run lead in the third. 

Down a run in the fifth inning, Golden West took advantage of an error committed by Palomar. Andrew Kirchner crossed home plate as the Rustlers tied the game at two apiece. It was a pitchers duel in the later innings as neither side would tally a run in the final three innings. The matchup continued in extra innings as both lineups entered the tenth frame tied, 2-2. 

Golden West wasted no time to break the tie as Duncan laced his third hit of the day and knocked in Kirchner. Zech Samayoa would add an extra run with a RBI sacrifice bunt to the first baseman. Though the Comets put runners on base from two hits, Palomar did not cross home in their final opportunity. The Rustlers won their first game of the season on Saturday against Palomar, 4-2. 

Pitching was the highlight for Golden West in their second matchup against the Comets. Jack Smith started on the bump as he went 5.0 innings, only allowed two runs and struck out one. Alex Ramos earned the victory as he shoved 5.0 scoreless frames and struck out eight. Duncan had an incredible day at the plate with three hits, 2 RBIs and two runs scored. Designated hitter Samayoa collected the other RBI for the team with a sacrifice bunt. The overall team effort secured the Rustlers first win and split the series opener with Palomar. 

UP NEXT: Golden West will return home for a two game series against San Diego Mesa on Friday, February 2nd. First pitch will be at 1pm.