No. 12 Palomar Handles Southwestern 9-5, Extends Conference Win Streak

SAN MARCOS, CA (3/8/2025) -- The No. 12-ranked Palomar College baseball team continued its strong conference play, securing a 9-5 victory over Southwestern College on Saturday afternoon at Palomar Ballpark. The Comets never trailed, building an early lead and holding off the Jaguars to improve to 13-7 overall and 5-1 in PCAC play.

Comets Set the Tone Early

Palomar struck first in the second inning, scoring three runs to take early control. Christian Grino delivered a two-run single, and Braedon Peterson-Cheek added an RBI groundout to give the Comets a 3-0 lead.

The Comets extended their advantage in the third inning, capitalizing on Southwestern miscues to push across two more runs. Justin Tucker roped an RBI triple, and Jacob Loving followed with a run-scoring single, making it 5-0.

Southwestern responded with runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but Palomar added another run in the fifth and put the game away with two more in the seventh, fueled by an RBI hit from Tucker.

Knorr and Bullpen Keep Jaguars in Check

• Pete Knorr (W, 2-1) turned in a strong five-inning start, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out two.
• Lucas Smith worked through traffic in his two innings, allowing two runs but stranding runners.
• Joey Halter finished the game with two solid innings, striking out three while allowing one run.

Key Performances

• Justin Tucker: 2-for-3, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs
• Christian Grino: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs
• Jacob Loving: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs
• Braedon Peterson-Cheek: 2 RBIs, sac fly
• Pete Knorr (W, 2-1): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 K

Looking Ahead

Palomar (12-7, 4-1 PCAC) will travel to Southwestern on Monday for the second game of the series, with first pitch set for 2 p.m. as the Comets look to complete the sweep.