Rustlers Sweep Gades in Home Doubleheader at Hoover Field

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The Golden West College Rustlers Baseball put together one of their most complete days of the season on Thursday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader from the visiting Bakersfield College Renegades by scores of 13–1 in seven innings and 8–2 at Rustler Field.

Golden West combined explosive offense, disciplined plate appearances, and deep pitching performances to control both games from start to finish, improving its overall record while sending a clear message in nonconference play.

Game One: Rustlers Roll to 13–1 Mercy-Rule Victory

Golden West wasted little time setting the tone in the opener, scoring in the first inning and steadily building pressure on Bakersfield throughout the game. After plating a run in the opening frame, the Rustlers added another in the third before breaking the contest wide open with a seven-run fourth inning.

That decisive fourth inning saw Golden West send 11 batters to the plate, capitalizing on patient at-bats and timely hitting. Zach Fany delivered a key two-run single to ignite the rally, while Levi Maddela worked a bases-loaded walk to bring home another run. Nick Salmon added to the surge by wearing a pitch with the bases full, and a Bakersfield error allowed additional runs to score as the Rustlers stretched the lead to 9–0.

Golden West wasn't finished. The Rustlers added four more runs in the sixth inning to enforce the 10-run mercy rule. The highlight came when Brian Trujillo lined a two-run double down the left-field line, punctuating an offensive performance that produced 13 runs despite just seven hits, thanks to seven walks and multiple hit-by-pitches.

On the mound, the Rustlers were just as sharp. Starter Marcel Mercado was efficient and composed, working 4.1 shutout innings while allowing only three hits and striking out four. Caiden Christianson followed in relief to earn the win, and the pitching staff limited Bakersfield to just one run on five hits.

Game Two: Power and Pitching Complete the Sweep

Golden West carried its momentum into game two, once again dictating the pace with timely offense and strong pitching. After Bakersfield scratched across a run in the top of the third inning, the Rustlers responded immediately with authority.

The bottom of the third featured a power display, as Zach Fany launched a solo home run to left field to even the score. Moments later, Nick Salmon followed with a two-run homer to right, giving Golden West a 3–1 lead and igniting the dugout. Brian Trujillo kept the inning alive with a sharp RBI double, extending the advantage to 4–1.

The Rustlers continued to apply pressure in the middle innings. In the sixth, Michael Hollis delivered an RBI single, and Matt Fox added another run with a timely base hit to push the lead to 6–2. Golden West put the game out of reach in the eighth inning when Isaac Ocampo ripped a two-run double down the left-field line, sealing the 8–2 victory.

The Rustler pitching staff was once again outstanding, limiting Bakersfield to just four hits in the nightcap. Elias Reyes earned the win with 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, striking out four batters and keeping the Renegades off balance. Golden West pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts, consistently working ahead in the count and preventing Bakersfield from mounting any sustained rallies.

Golden West will travel to Bakersfield College tomorrow looking to complete the three game sweep with first pitch scheduled for 3pm.