San Diego, Calif. - The Golden West College baseball team were eliminated in the first round of playoffs after dropping games two and three of the best of three series at San Diego Mesa 9-6 and 6-3. 

Game 1

The Rustlers fell behind early and just couldn't get the clutch hit in time to even the game up as they trailed 7-0 heading in the fifth inning. The offense pounded out 16 hits in the game but stranded 13 runners on base as Nelson Padilla paced the offense with four hits in five trips to the plate. Catcher Austin Schell got Golden West on scoreboard in the bottom of the 5th when he smacked an RBI single past the third baseman to score Seth Nelson. After surrending two more runs to the Olympians in the sixth inning, Golden West plated two runs in the seventh, one run in the eighth, and two more run in the ninth for the 9-6 loss. 

Starter Micah Wallette lasted 3.2 innings giving up seven runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out three. 

Game 2

In the win or go home game three of the series, the Rustlers out hit SD Mesa but got outscored to be sent home 6-3. The offense once again got runners in scoring position but couldn't come through with the clutch hit to break the game open as they stranded 11 runner on base.

Sophomore starting pitcher Eric Romo got the start and through five innings of work while surrendering five runs on five hits, walking three and striking out only two Olympians. 

Golden West ends their 2019 campaign with a 26-16 overal record and a 11-10 Orange Empire Conference mark.