News Summary
The El Camino College Warriors baseball team made a strong statement in the 3C2A SoCal Regional Playoffs by sweeping the Saddleback College Bobcats. With victories of 11-6 in Game 1 and 7-4 in Game 2, the Warriors showcased their skill and tactical prowess on the field. Standout performances from players and strategic coaching decisions propelled them into the next round of the playoffs, where they will face the Glendale College Vaqueros. The Warriors look to maintain their momentum as the postseason continues.
Los Angeles, CA – The El Camino College Warriors baseball team achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, May 3, by sweeping the Saddleback College Bobcats in the first round of the 3C2A SoCal Regional Playoffs. This decisive victory at Warrior Field secured the Warriors’ advancement to the second round of the playoffs.
The Warriors opened the series with a strong performance, winning Game 1 on Friday, May 2, with a score of 11-6. The series continued with an equally competitive Game 2, where the Warriors triumphed again, this time with a score of 7-4. These victories not only reflected the team’s skills but also showcased standout performances and strategic choices made by the coaching staff.
In Game 2, the match was closely contested, with the Bobcats initially rallying to tie the score in the bottom of the second inning. They then took the lead in the fourth inning, creating a thrilling atmosphere for fans and players alike. Warriors third baseman Lucas Bonham set an energetic tone for the game by starting with a double to right field. Dylan Mares made an impact by securing two runs in the first inning after hitting a double, establishing an early 3-0 lead for the Warriors.
Despite the setback, the Bobcats managed to equalize in the second inning. They capitalized on a hit-by-pitch, allowing first baseman Andreas Nilsen to score. By the fourth inning, infielder Jacob Beauchaine contributed to the Bobcats’ offense, helping them take the lead. However, the Warriors were unyielding and continued to fight back.
An injury to Warriors pitcher Luke Steward in the fifth inning necessitated a pitching change. Steward, who faced 32 batters and threw 114 pitches (61 strikes), exited the game due to an apparent arm issue. Henry Sorman stepped in as the relief pitcher with a crucial objective: to maintain and potentially extend the Warriors’ lead. The change proved effective as Bonham later drove in two runs with a powerful double to left field, increasing their lead to 7-4 in the sixth inning.
With the score intact, the Warriors held the Bobcats to prevent any further scoring threats in the final innings of the game. The ninth inning witnessed the Warriors solidifying their victory, which marked a pivotal moment in their playoff journey.
Following the games, the Warriors head coach reflected on the importance of tactical planning, emphasizing the need to concentrate on one game at a time moving forward in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Saddleback coach acknowledged the challenges faced during the playoffs and began outlining plans for exit meetings and future preparations for next season.
On the player front, Warriors catcher Ryan Matsukawa spoke about the necessity of recovery and the importance of maintaining performance levels especially during the intense travel associated with playoff games.
The Warriors now look ahead to their next playoff challenge, facing the Glendale College Vaqueros, who have an impressive record of 30-12. This match is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, at Cerritos College, marking another exciting chapter in the Warriors’ postseason campaign.
As the playoffs unfold, the Warriors seek to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strategic advantages, while the Bobcats look to regroup and build for the future.
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Additional Resources
- ECC Union: Warriors Baseball Team Sweeps Saddleback College
- Daily Breeze: L.A. Harbor and El Camino College Inductees
- ECC Union: Warriors Hold On Against Long Beach Vikings
- Google Search: El Camino College baseball
- ECC Union: El Camino’s Baseball Team Outruns Cerritos
- Google Scholar: El Camino College athletics
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MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
