Los Medanos College’s baseball team continued its late-season push, defeating Yuba College 5-2 on the road to extend its win streak to three games and build momentum heading into the final stretch of conference play.
Coming off a strong 9-4 win the day before, the Mustangs wasted no time setting the tone. In the top of the first inning, Carlos Garcia put LMC on the board with an RBI single to score Nate Liddicoat, giving the team a 1-0 lead. The early point set the tone early that LMC was going to capitalize off their set momentum.
Yuba responded in the second inning, set on base running with multiple stolen bases to tie the game. The pressure briefly shifted in Yuba’s favor however, the Mustangs responded with composure, shutting down a potential scoring opportunity at home plate.
In the third inning, Yuba took a short-lived 2-1 lead, but LMC answered immediately. Garcia came through again with his second RBI single of the game, driving in Daniel Trujillo to even the score. His consistency at the plate kept the Mustangs in the game.
The turning point came in the fourth inning, where LMC created separation. Chris Olsen delivered an RBI single to bring in Antonio Moriera, followed by another run-scoring hit from Liddicoat to make it 4-2. With the bases loaded and only one out, the Mustangs had a chance to break the game open but were unable to capitalize further.
Despite that missed opportunity, LMC did not lose momentum.
The Mustangs leaned on their pitching and defensive executions to maintain control through the middle innings. After a shaky early stretch that included multiple stolen bases, LMC’s defense adjusted and effectively shut down Yuba’s running game.
“We pitched very well and played good defense,” head coach Bob Ralston said. “Our pitchers were in control all day.”
Yuba was held scoreless from the fourth inning on.
Kyoungseo Min provided stability in relief, delivering two solid innings and preventing Yuba from building late-game momentum. With the game on the line in the ninth, Josh Rodriguez stepped in to close it out.
Rodriguez pitched with confidence, feeding off the energy from his teammates in the dugout. He attacked hitters and trusted his pitches.
“My fastball was live today, and my changeup had good depth,” Rodriguez said. “I just tried to stay in the zone and do my job.”
Rodriguez also emphasized the team’s mindset during the win streak, even talking about the confidence the group has built in recent games.
“Everyone in this league is trying to come after us,” he said. “We’ve got to have that tougher mentality and be the ones who attack first.”
After allowing contact on the final play, LMC’s defense secured the out to end the game and seal the 5-2 victory.
“We just want to play good baseball,” coach Bob said. “If we pitch, play defense, and keep swinging the bat like we have been, we’ll have a chance to do something special.”
The win not only extends the Mustangs’ win streak to three games but also shows the team finding its rhythm at the right time. The team is positioning themselves as a strong contender as the regular season chops down game after game.
If the Mustangs continue to combine timely hitting with disciplined play on the mound and in the field, they will remain a difficult team to beat. Their next game is scheduled for April 7 at Napa.
