SANTA ANA, Calif. - The reigning state champions began the 2024 baseball season with a two game series against the San Diego Mesa Olympians (1-1) on Friday afternoon. The Dons (1-1) split the series after opening with a 7-0 loss on Friday followed by a 10-4 road win on Saturday. 

In game one, the SAC just could not get the bats going, producing just four hits and leaving six stranded throughout the game. 

Jaxton Andeel took the loss after conceding four runs (2 earned) and striking out just as many. CJ Brown had the best performance out of the bullpen as he struck out three in three innings of scoreless baseball. 

Hauze Fragoso, David Celoski and Aaron Rosales gave up one each as the trio combined to finish up the final three innings. 

Although it took some time, the Dons responded in game two with seven runs in the ninth inning to pull away for the win. 

With the score tied at 3-3, Santa Ana took advantage of an Olympian error in the final inning to start their rally. 

SAC used three hits, a walk and a hit by pitch following the error to put the game out of reach and secure their first of the season.

Joey Iglesias earned the win with four innings of work. The sophomore from San Diego struck out three and gave up just one run in his first appearance of the year. 

Freshman Jack Meek got the start and went the first four innings, striking out five while allowing just two (1 earned) to come across the plate.

The Dons got some production out of the middle of their lineup with Carson Case and Kian Sanchez recording two hits a piece and combining for three runs batted in. 

Sophomores Jimmy De Anda, Michael Rocha and Matthew Dobson had a hit and an RBI each while Thomas Williams drew three walks and scored two runs on the day. 

Freshman second baseman Christian Altamirano added a hit and two RBI's to help lead the Dons to the win. 

SAC will continue their season when they head North for the Reedley College Tiger Tournament 

from February 1st- 3rd.