Comets salvage series against Jaguars

SAN MARCOS, CA (4/2/2022) -- Palomar needed a much-needed win over the Southwestern College Jaguars on Saturday afternoon in order to maintain the first place spot in PCAC play and they did just that winning 9-1 to salvage the series. In the previous two meetings of the week, the Jaguars took advantage of the offensive slump the Comets were in to take two of the three games, but a change to the lineup was just what Palomar ordered. 

For the first time this season, sophomore catcher Devlin Lindeman batted lead-off and it paid off as the CCCAA state home run leader send another ball into Lindeman Landing over the rightfield fence for number 11 on the season in the second inning. The 3-run bomb extended the Comets' lead to 7-0. Designated hitter Bryson Hashimoto batted in the three spot and doubled once on the day to go 2-4 with two RBIs. Second baseman Shea Larrabee, who has been in a hitting rut of his own as a pinch hitter, got his first career start on Saturday and finished 2-4 with one RBI, two runs, and a stolen base. It was Larabee who got the 6-run second inning started when he singled to score left fielder Quincy Scott who had a lead-off double. Shortstop Erik Larsen singled which moved Larabee to third. Larabee then scored on an error by the shortstop that left centerfielder Ethan Ellis at first and Larsen on third for Lindeman to hit his 3-run home run. The sixth run came on a Jackson Garrett single that scored Jack Sanders from second. 

Still trying to find that third starter, the Comets started Dylan Delvecchio on Tuesday, Logan Parker on Thursday, and went with a staff day on Saturday in which Ethan Sally got the nod to start. Delvecchio pitched 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on five hits to go along with five strikeouts. Parker went a season-long 8.1 innings. He allowed one run in the first inning and held the Jaguars through the ninth, where they scored three runs to win the game. He finished the day allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out five batters. Both Delvecchio (4-1) and Parker (6-1) recorded their first losses of the season. With everything clicking once more for the Comets on Saturday, Sally got in four innings of work. He allowed one run on four hits and recorded two strikeouts. With his first career start, he picked up his first win to make 1-0 on the season. 

With the win on Saturday, the Comets are back in a tie for first place in the PCAC with Grossmont College. They are now 19-9 overall and 9-4 in PCAC play. Palomar will face San Diego City College for their three-game series beginning on Tuesday at home. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.