Dons Dominant Offensively in 18-7 Win over Imperial Valley in Seven Innings

Alex Mascarenas hit his third home run of the season, a two-run shot, in the Dons 18-7 win over Imperial Valley College.
Alex Mascarenas hit his third home run of the season, a two-run shot, in the Dons 18-7 win over Imperial Valley College.

SANTA ANA - For the second time in just five games this season, the Dons had their game called early due to darkness. Unlike the first time, a decision was made as the Dons picked up an 18-7 win in seven innings over visiting Imperial Valley College.

The Dons (4-0-1) scored at least one run in each of the six innings they batted while sending all nine batters to the plate twice. The team batted in order in each of the first two innings as the Dons grabbed an early 9-3 lead after two innings.

By the end of the fourth inning, the Dons held a 14-6 lead before adding a run in the fifth and three runs in the sixth. Most of the early offense came with the aid of errors and walks issued by Imperial Valley (0-4) as the Dons managed just six hits in the first three innings while scoring 12 runs.

Imperial Valley kept the game close in the top of the second inning with three runs to trail by just one run. The visiting squad would go on to score one run in the third, two runs in the fourth and one run in the seventh before the game was called.

Cameron Baranek had a strong performance as he reached base in each of the first four innings while going 2-for-2 with three runs scored, one RBI and two stolen bases. Both of his hits went for doubles. Alex Mascarenas had a two-run home run in the third and Jesus Saldana and Manuel Segura each drove in two runs.

Wyatt Haccou (1-0) got the win for the Dons as he pitched two scoreless innings without allowing a hit and striking out a pair of batters.