Comets Open 2026 with Statement Sweep of Golden West

Palomar College Baseball opened the 2026 season in emphatic fashion, sweeping a home-and-home series against Golden West College with a 22-7 road win on Friday followed by a 7-3 victory at Bob Vetter Field on Saturday.

Friday | Palomar 22, Golden West 7

(Hoover Field)

The Comets sent an early message to open the season, exploding for 22 runs on 19 hits in a dominant road performance.

Palomar took control with a six-run second inning, then continued to apply pressure throughout the game, scoring in seven different innings. The offense was relentless from top to bottom, with seven different players recording multi-hit games.

Gavin Malcomson powered the attack, finishing 3-for-5 with six RBIs, a double, a triple, and four runs scored. Ryan Ham added a four-hit day, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs and a triple, while Cody Cappelletti drove in three runs and swiped two bases. Preston Conklin and Mike Rodda each chipped in multi-RBI performances as Palomar consistently put runners in scoring position and cashed in.

On the mound, Joey Navarro earned the win in his season debut, working four innings and allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out four. Jude Atley followed with two innings of relief, and despite Golden West pushing across a few late runs, Nate Moloney and Joey Halter combined to finish the game and limit further damage as Palomar cruised to the season-opening victory.

Saturday | Palomar 7, Golden West 3

(Bob Vetter Field)

The Comets completed the weekend sweep with a composed, efficient performance at home, capitalizing early and leaning on strong pitching depth.

Palomar jumped out to a five-run first inning, setting the tone immediately. Preston Conklin delivered a two-run double, while Rainn McMillan added a two-run single to give the Comets early separation. Braedon Peterson-Cheek added to the lead with a solo home run, finishing the day with two runs scored, as Palomar worked nine walks and consistently applied pressure on the basepaths.

The pitching staff answered the call, allowing just three runs on seven hits. Ryan Herrod made the start and worked three innings, surrendering two runs while striking out three. Jordan Green earned the win with four strong innings of relief, giving up just one run on three hits and striking out two to stabilize the middle innings. Angel Barron closed the game with two scoreless innings, striking out two and retiring six of the seven batters he faced.

Palomar opens the season 2-0, showcasing offensive depth, patience at the plate, and a deep pitching staff as the Comets continue early nonconference play. The Comets will be back on the road Thursday, traveling to Orange Coast College for a 1 p.m. first pitch.