COD Baseball rolls to eighth straight win, powers past Victor Valley, 22–7

The College of the Desert baseball team had to grind through the early innings, but once the bats came alive, there was no slowing the Roadrunners.

COD (18-4; 8-1) erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning to break the game open and cruise past Victor Valley (2-22, 1-9), 22–7, extending its winning streak to eight games.

The victory also marks COD's 23rd win in its last 24 meetings with the Rams.

With the win, head coach Sam DiMatteo earned his 120th career victory, tying former Roadrunners head coach Herb Claggett for third place on the program's all-time wins list. Claggett led COD from 1987–91, highlighted by a 31-win season in 1991, two conference Coach of the Year honors, and four playoff appearances.

Offensively, the Roadrunners delivered one of their most explosive performances of the season.

Sophomore center fielder Brandon Leon (La Quinta H.S.) turned in a career day from the leadoff spot, going 6-for-7 with six RBIs and a run scored. His six RBIs match the highest single-game total by a Roadrunner since 2024, while his six hits are the most in a game by a COD player since 2022.

Freshman designated hitter Derek Ball (Chaparral {CO} H.S.) added a breakout performance, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and five RBIs.

Sophomore second baseman Malakai Lopez (Rancho Mirage H.S.) provided a big swing, launching his third home run of the season and finishing with a career-high six RBIs.

Freshman first baseman Noah Arreola (West Covina H.S.) recorded his first three-hit game at COD, going 3-for-5 with a run scored.

Sophomore third baseman Jayvin Baxa (La Quinta H.S.) continued his strong season, going 3-for-4 with a career-high four runs scored, marking his ninth career game with three or more hits.

Sophomore shortstop Kaden Durazo (Yucaipa H.S.) chipped in with three RBIs and two runs scored from the nine spot in the lineup.

On the mound, sophomore right-hander Matthew Wallin (Orange Vista H.S. - Perris) earned his seventh win of the season, working five innings with three strikeouts.

The bullpen combination of Brandon Deth (Moanalua H.S. - Honolulu, HI) and Brady McCleery (Patterson H.S.) closed out the final four innings, allowing COD to maintain control down the stretch.

COD hits the road for its next contest before returning home to wrap up the three-game series against Victor Valley on Saturday, March 21 at noon.

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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 Dale Beck Photography.