Rustlers Walk It Off in Thriller, Defeat Santa Ana 14-13 in 10 Innings

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Golden West College baseball team staged multiple comebacks and delivered a dramatic walk-off victory, defeating visiting Santa Ana College, 14-13, in 10 innings on Thursday afternoon at Hoover Field in Orange Empire Conference play.

The Rustlers (20-19, 7-13 OEC) totaled 18 hits and erased several deficits, including a five-run gap, before ultimately sealing the win in the bottom of the 10th inning against the conference-leading Dons (33-5-1, 16-4 OEC).

Santa Ana struck early, plating runs in each of the first two innings and extending its lead to 4-1 in the third on a two-run home run from Nikko Paoletto. Golden West answered immediately in the bottom half, as Cole Belfanti launched a three-run homer to tie the game at 4-4.

The Dons responded with a big fourth inning, scoring five runs to take a commanding 9-4 advantage, and added another run in the sixth to extend the lead to 10-4.

Golden West began chipping away in the sixth inning. Michael Hollis delivered an RBI single, followed by an RBI knock from Nick Salmon to cut the deficit to 10-6.

The Rustlers continued their comeback in the seventh inning with a four-run rally. Belfanti drove in a run with a single before Nick Nashiwa came through with a clutch two-run double. Hollis followed with an RBI double down the left field line to tie the game at 10-10.

Santa Ana briefly regained control in the eighth inning, scoring two runs to go back in front, 12-10. However, Golden West answered once again in the bottom half, as Zach Fany delivered an RBI single to pull within one.

Trailing 12-11 in the ninth inning, the Rustlers showed their resilience. Nashiwa reached base and later scored on a clutch RBI double by Levi Maddela to even the game at 12-12 and force extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Santa Ana scratched across a run to take a 13-12 lead, setting the stage for more late-inning drama.

Golden West delivered in the clutch in the bottom of the inning. After putting runners on base, Hollis came through with the game-winning hit, ripping a two-run single to left field to score Brian Trujillo and Belfanti, sealing the 14-13 walk-off victory.

Hollis led the offensive attack with a 3-for-6 performance and four RBIs, including the game-winner. Nashiwa was outstanding at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Belfanti added a home run and four RBIs.

Maddela contributed two hits, including the game-tying double in the ninth, and Salmon added a pair of hits and an RBI. Fany also chipped in with two runs scored and an RBI.

On the mound, Elias Reyes (3-2) earned the win after pitching the final inning. The Rustlers used six pitchers in the contest, with key relief efforts from Dickey Taw, Dillon Despain, and Travis Maxwell helping keep the game within reach during the comeback.

Golden West's offense proved relentless throughout the afternoon, overcoming a 10-4 deficit and answering every Santa Ana rally in a signature conference victory.

The two squads will wrap up the series and the regular season tomorrow afternoon at Santa Ana with a 1pm first pitch.