Comets Outslug Orange Coast, Improve to 3-0
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Palomar | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 14 | 2 |
|
Orange Coast | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 2 |
COSTA MESA, CA (1/29/2026) -- Palomar College Baseball continued its strong start to the season on Thursday afternoon, defeating Orange Coast College 12-7 at John Altobelli Park.
After falling behind early, the Comets' offense settled in and took control of the game, scoring 12 runs on 14 hits and plating runs in six different innings.
Braedon Peterson-Cheek led the way at the plate, going 4-for-6 with an RBI, while AJ Klubeck delivered a key performance in the middle of the lineup, driving in three runs. Adrian Macias and Mike Rodda each added two RBIs, and DC Ruth chipped in a two-run single as Palomar consistently capitalized with runners on base. Rainn McMillan also contributed with an RBI and worked two walks as the Comets finished with six free passes on the day.
On the mound, the Comets used four arms to navigate the nine innings. Jude Atley struck out five over three innings in his start, while Dylan Berentis earned the win with two innings of relief, allowing just one run. Elijah Stephens followed with 2.2 innings, recording five strikeouts, and Blake Gordon closed the door by tossing 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to secure the victory.
With the win, Palomar improves to 3-0 on the season.
The two teams will meet again on February 19 at Bob Vetter Field, but first the Comets will remain on the road, traveling to Saddleback College on Friday for a 1 p.m. first pitch.