Palomar Defeats Riverside 5-4 to Advance to Regionals Final

SAN MARCOS, CA (5/10/2025) -- Palomar College baseball secured a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Riverside City College in Game 2 of the 2025 3C2A Southern California Super Regionals. With the win, the Comets advanced to their third regional final in four years. The game was a back-and-forth battle that saw Palomar take the lead late, powered by timely hits and dominant pitching.

Riverside took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, with Ian Nguyen driving in Logan Clear to put the Tigers ahead 1-0. However, Palomar answered back in the second inning with TK Madera and Justin Tucker setting the stage for a 2-run inning, giving the Comets a 2-1 lead. Jacob Loving and Braedon Peterson-Cheek both contributed RBIs to the scoreline, with Loving driving in Tucker, and Peterson-Cheek scoring Madera after he was hit by a pitch.

Palomar's offense came alive in the seventh inning when A.J. Klubeck launched a 2-RBI homer to tie the game at 4-4. With momentum on their side, the Comets took the lead in the ninth. Braedon Peterson-Cheek doubled to start the inning, and Klubeck followed with a single. Carter Jorissen then hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Peterson-Cheek and giving Palomar a 5-4 lead that they would hold onto for the win.

On the mound, Brandon Bollerer got the start, going 4 innings and allowing 4 runs on 6 hits. Chance Crawford came on in relief, throwing 2 scoreless innings to keep Riverside from adding to their lead. Jacob Imoto (W, 3-0) came in to close out the game with 3 shutout innings, allowing just 1 hit and striking out 3.

Palomar now advances to face Cypress College in the regionals final, with Game 1 set for Friday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. Game 2 will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m., and if necessary, Game 3 will be played on Sunday, May 18 at noon.

Game Stats:

Palomar 5, Riverside 4

• Braedon Peterson-Cheek: 1 hit, 1 double, 1 RBI

• A.J. Klubeck: 2 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBIs

• Jacob Loving: 1 hit, 1 RBI

• Carter Jorissen: 1 hit, 1 RBI

• Brandon Bollerer: 4.0 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 K, 6 H

• Chance Crawford: 2.0 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 K, 1 H

• Jacob Imoto (W, 3-0): 3.0 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 H

Upcoming Schedule:

• Game 1: Friday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. vs. Cypress College

• Game 2: Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m.

• Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m.

Palomar will look to continue their strong play and advance toward the state championship in what promises to be an exciting regional final.