Roadrunners Rally Past Former Foothill Rival Rio Hondo, 5–3

The College of the Desert baseball team continued its strong start to the season Tuesday, rallying for three runs in the seventh inning to defeat former Foothill Conference rival Rio Hondo College, 5–3, in a back-and-forth contest reminiscent of the programs' long conference rivalry.

The Roadrunners (15–4) and the Roadrunners of Rio Hondo (6–16) had not met since 2016, but the decade-long hiatus did little to dull the competitive edge between the former Foothill Conference foes. Since 1992, College of the Desert now holds a 31–49 record against Rio Hondo, including a 19–22 mark in Palm Desert.

Freshman first baseman Noah Arreola (West Covina HS) delivered one of the biggest swings of the game, recording his third multi-hit performance of the season while going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBIs from the fifth spot in the lineup. His two-run home run in the seventh inning, his second of the season and first since Feb. 19, broke a 3–3 tie and sparked the decisive rally.

Sophomore center fielder Brandon Leon (La Quinta HS) continued his hot season at the top of the lineup, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. The performance marked his 12th multi-hit game of the season and his sixth game with three or more hits.

Sophomore third baseman Malakai Lopez (Rancho Mirage HS) added his seventh multi-hit game of the year, going 2-for-4 with an RBI from the No. 2 spot in the order. Sophomore designated hitter Jayvin Baxa (La Quinta HS) also contributed offensively after entering the game in the fifth inning, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 with a run scored while hitting in the cleanup position.

On the mound, sophomore right-hander Matthew Wallin (Perris Orange Vista HS) delivered another strong outing. Wallin worked seven complete innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on eight hits while striking out four. The performance marked his fourth start this season of seven innings or more and improved his record to 6–1.

Freshman left-hander Victor Estrada (Palm Desert HS) closed the door in relief, pitching two innings while allowing just one hit and one walk and striking out two. It was his fifth appearance this season pitching two or more innings.

College of the Desert will hit the road for its next two games before returning to Inland Empire Athletic Conference play. The Roadrunners will host the Victor Valley Rams beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. in Palm Desert.

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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.