COD Baseball erupts for 7-run 5th, rolls past Compton 15–8

The College of the Desert baseball team showed both resilience and firepower on the way to a 15–8 win over Compton on Tuesday, using a massive fifth inning to pull away.

The Roadrunners (5–1) jumped out early but found themselves in a tighter battle than expected after the Coyotes (0–6) used a six-run fourth inning to swing the momentum. COD didn't flinch. Instead, the Roadrunners answered with their biggest punch of the day, a seven-run fifth, to take control for good.

The victory marked COD's eighth win in its last nine meetings with Compton.

Offensively, the Roadrunners got production throughout the lineup.

Sophomore catcher Benjamin Wade (Holy Savior Menard HS, LA) recorded his third multi-hit game of the season, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBIs, and a double. Sophomore designated hitter Jayvin Baxa (La Quinta HS) went 2-for-3 with a season-high three runs scored and two RBIs, helping spark the middle of the order.

Sophomore left fielder Brandon Leon (La Quinta HS) finished 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs, while sophomore right fielder Jon Artis (Katy HS, TX) added a 2-for-5 effort with a run scored and an RBI.

Freshman first baseman Noah Arreola (West Covina HS) scored twice and drove in a run, and sophomore third baseman Malakai Lopez (Rancho Mirage HS) contributed two RBIs. Freshman second baseman Stephen Hutchinson (Palm Desert HS) chipped in with two RBIs of his own.

On the mound, sophomore right-hander Caleb Ortiz (Shadow Hills HS) made the start, working four innings. Sophomore Brandon Deth (Moanalua HS, HI) earned his second win of the season in relief, throwing 2⅓ innings while allowing just three hits and striking out one.

Freshman lefty Henry Wallin (Orange Vista HS) and sophomore Brady McCleery (Patterson HS) also saw time out of the bullpen before freshman left-hander Victor Estrada (Palm Desert HS) closed the door. Estrada tossed two strong innings, striking out two of the four batters COD fanned on the day.

The Roadrunners now head out on the road for their next four games over the next two weeks. COD returns to the "Friendly Confines" on February 17 to open Inland Empire Athletic Conference play against San Bernardino Valley.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Darbie Catalfamo Photography.