Rustlers Open SoCal Regionals with 9-4 Victory Over LA Pierce

GLENDALE, Calif. - The Golden West College baseball team opened postseason play in impressive fashion on Friday afternoon, defeating LA Pierce College 9-4 in the opening round of the Southern California Regionals at Stengel Field in Verdugo Park.

With the win, the Rustlers advance to face host Glendale College on Saturday at 12 p.m.

Golden West wasted little time getting on the board, capitalizing on defensive miscues to take a 3-0 lead through the first two innings. After LA Pierce battled back to tie the game at 3-3 in the third, the Rustlers responded with a decisive six-run fifth inning that proved to be the difference.

The big inning was sparked by back-to-back home runs from Matt Fox and Zach Fany, giving Golden West the lead for good. The Rustlers continued to apply pressure, taking advantage of walks and errors while Fox delivered a key two-RBI single later in the frame to extend the lead to 9-3.

Fox led the offensive effort, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI. Levi Maddela added a run and RBI, while Nick Salmon contributed a hit and RBI along with two walks. Cole Belfanti and Brian Trujillo each chipped in hits, and Max Senesac reached base three times and scored twice.

On the mound, Marcel Mercado earned the win in relief, tossing 4.2 strong innings while allowing just one run on four hits with four strikeouts. Wyatt Thomas closed out the game with 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out three. Salmon got the start, working 2.2 innings.

Golden West totaled 10 hits and drew seven walks, while the pitching staff limited LA Pierce to four runs despite nine hits.