SAN MARCOS, Calif. - The Santa Ana College Baseball team will continue its pursuit of back-to-back titles after taking a three game series over Palomar College (36-11) in the SoCal Finals to punch its ticket to the 2024 3C2A State Championships.
SAC (35-13-1) showed their depth and ability to perform in big moments to knock off the No. 2 seeded Comets.
Despite falling 11-7 in game one of the series, the Dons bounced back on day two thanks to another outstanding performance from sophomore reliever Alan Huerta.
Huerta earned his seventh win of the season as he struck out seven batters while giving up just three runs in eight innings of work.
Joey Iglesias got two outs in the ninth before handing the ball to Jack Meek, who pitched his way out of a bases loaded jam to give SAC a 5-4 win.
On day three, the Dons came to play as they posted 10 runs in the first three innings.
But the Comets chipped away throughout the game and eventually tied the game at 10-10 in the bottom of the eighth inning.
After going through most of their available pitchers over the weekend, the Dons turned to CJ Brown in the ninth inning. The right-hander from Pacifica High was lights out for the final two and ⅓ innings of the game and picked up his fifth win of the year.
Offensively, it was Matthew Dobson that came up clutch for the Dons with five runs batted in including a two run double down the left field line in the 10th inning.
Santa Ana will now head to Mt. San Antonio College for the state tournament from May 25-27. They'll be matched up against the North's No. 3 seeded West Valley College for game one of the tournament on Saturday at noon.
VENUE: Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
TICKETS: $15.00 ‐ General Admission for adults, $10.00 ‐ General Admission for senior citizens (60+), $10.00 ‐ Students (with proper ID), $10.00 ‐ Children (12 and under)
PARKING: Free parking in Lot M for all fans
