Palomar’s Late Rally Falls Short in 15-13 Loss to Fullerton

SAN MARCOS, CA (2/1/2025) – In a game filled with offensive fireworks, the Palomar College baseball team nearly pulled off an improbable ninth-inning comeback before falling just short, dropping a 15-13 decision to Fullerton College on Saturday afternoon. The Comets scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth and had the tying run on base before the Hornets finally secured the final out.

The game was part of San Marcos Youth Baseball Day, which also served as Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at the ballpark, making for an emotional and spirited afternoon.

Palomar (4-2) took an early 6-1 lead, thanks in part to a four-run second inning. Jacob Loving continued his torrid start to the season with a two-run single, followed by an RBI triple from AJ Klubeck. In the third, Loving delivered again with another two-run single to extend the Comets' advantage.

However, Fullerton (2-3) responded with big innings of their own, scoring three runs in the fourth, three more in the fifth, and a go-ahead run in the sixth to take an 8-6 lead. The Hornets tacked on four more in the eighth and three in the ninth, seemingly putting the game out of reach at 15-7 heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Palomar refused to go down quietly. The Comets erupted for six runs in their final at-bat, igniting the home crowd. Loving once again came through, driving in two with a double, cutting the deficit to 15-9. With two outs and the bases loaded, Carter Jorissen worked a full count before delivering a clutch two-run single, bringing Palomar within striking distance at 15-11. Drake Cobb followed with an RBI single, and Jacob Imoto added another run-scoring hit to make it 15-13.

With runners on base and the winning run at the plate, Fullerton finally managed to record the last out, ending the Comets' furious rally just short of a miraculous comeback.

Loving led the way offensively, going 4-for-5 with six RBIs, while Jorissen, Klubeck, and Cobb each drove in two runs. Justin Tucker had two doubles, and Pinnell added a triple in the 16-hit effort.

Despite the loss, the Comets showcased their resilience, fighting until the final pitch. They'll look to bounce back next week as they continue their non-conference schedule.