Late Rally Stuns Comets in Regional Finals Opener

CYPRESS, CA (5/16/2025) --  Palomar College was just three outs away from taking Game 1 of the CCCAA Baseball Regional Finals, but host Cypress College stunned the Comets with a four-run ninth inning to hand Palomar a 6-5 loss Friday afternoon.

The Comets entered the final frame with a 5-2 lead behind a steady effort from starting pitcher Joey Navarro, who allowed just two runs over six innings of work. He struck out six and scattered four hits before handing the ball to the bullpen. Jacob Imoto was charged with the loss after the Chargers strung together four hits in the bottom of the ninth to erase the deficit.

Palomar built its lead with timely offense throughout the contest. TK Madera delivered a two-run double in the second inning to give the Comets an early edge. AJ Klubeck and Braedon Peterson-Cheek each added RBI, and Drake Cobb drove in a run and scored once as part of a 2-for-4 performance. Adrian Macias also had a pair of hits, while Carter Jorissen and Justin Tucker each added one.

The loss drops Palomar to 35-12 on the season and forces a must-win situation on Saturday. First pitch for Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Cypress College. If necessary, a deciding Game 3 will follow at noon on Sunday.