Owl Comeback Attempt Falls Short

After giving up early runs, Citrus College put together a valiant comeback attempt but couldn't overcome San Bernardino Valley College Tuesday afternoon.

The Owls – who play four games in five days this week – slip to 1-4 on the year, while the Wolverines improve to 2-4 overall.

SBVC struck first in the bottom of the first, plating four runs to put Citrus in an early 4-0 hole.

Citrus tried to chip away at the margin, but it seemed every time the Owls scored, the Wolverines had an answer. The Owls scored one run in the top of the third and the Wolverines responded with one in the bottom half of the inning. Citrus put two runs on in the top of the fourth and SBVC answered back with two of its own in the second half of the frame.

Trailing 11-4 heading into the ninth, the Owls tried to rally and put two runners on with one out. Jin Hattori stepped up to bat and knocked a base hit to right field, sending one run home. Jason Armendariz followed with a double down the left-field line to score two more runs before the Wolverines grabbed a second out.

The Owls weren't done yet, however, as Jordan Sheridan drilled an RBI single to right field to put Citrus within three runs. The rally was cut short though, as San Bernardino locked down its defense to preserve the 11-8 victory.

Three Owls finished the game with two hits: Armendariz (2-for-4), Connor Green (2-for-5), and Isaiah Pacheco (2-for-3).

On the mound, Aiden Ross threw three strong innings for the Owls and shut out the Wolverines with two strikeouts and just two hits.

Citrus gets one day to regroup before hosting Barstow on Thursday for a 2 p.m. contest.