Roadrunners Open IEAC Play with 14–7 Win Over San Bernardino Valley

The College of the Desert baseball team opened Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC) play in emphatic fashion Tuesday afternoon, powering past the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines, 14–7, at home.

COD (8-3, 1-0 IEAC) erupted for five runs in the first inning and added another five-spot in the sixth, racking up six extra-base hits in a game that felt more like a football score than a February conference opener.

Despite frigid temperatures and howling winds sweeping across the Coachella Valley — with snow visible on the surrounding mountain peaks — the Roadrunners wasted no time setting the tone. Blowing dust and swirling gusts made conditions challenging, but COD's bats stayed hot from the first pitch.

Turning the Tide

Since returning from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roadrunners have flipped the script in the series. COD is now 12-5 against the Wolverines during that stretch and has won four straight in the matchup.

Offensive Firepower

Several Roadrunners delivered multi-hit performances:
Malakai Lopez (Rancho Mirage H.S.): 2-for-4, two runs scored (third multi-hit game of the season)
Benjamin Wade (Alexandria {LA} Holy Savior Menard): 3-for-4, finishing a home run shy of the cycle (fourth multi-hit game)
Isaiah Martin (Beaumont H.S.): 2-for-4, two RBIs (first multi-hit game)
Kaden Durazo (Yucaipa H.S.): 2-for-3, two runs scored, one RBI (first multi-hit game)

The Roadrunners' balanced attack kept pressure on the Wolverines throughout the afternoon, capitalizing on early momentum and adding key insurance runs late.

On the Mound

Sophomore right-hander Matthew Wallin (Perris Orange Vista) earned his third win of the season, tossing 5.2 innings while allowing limited damage, striking out three and walking two.

The bullpen preserved the advantage the rest of the way:
Henry Wallin (Perris Orange Vista): 1.1 innings, one hit allowed
Caleb Ortiz (Indio Shadow Hills): 1.0 inning
Robert Chandler (Las Vegas {NV} Palo Verde)
Brandon Deth (Honolulu {HI} Moanalua)

Together, the relief corps closed the door and secured the conference-opening victory.

Up Next

The Roadrunners continue the series on the road against San Bernardino Valley College on Thursday, February 19 at 2 p.m., weather permitting, as rain could impact the schedule.

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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.