No. 9 Comets Earn Road Win Over No. 15 Saddleback

MISSION VIEJO, CA (1/30/2026) -- Palomar College Baseball continued its unbeaten start to the season Friday afternoon, as the No. 9-ranked Comets defeated No. 15 Saddleback College 13-4 on the road.

After surrendering three runs in the opening inning, Palomar quickly responded and took control of the game, scoring 13 runs on 15 hits and pulling away with multi-run innings throughout the afternoon.

Elijah Stephens powered the offense, delivering a massive day at the plate with two home runs and four RBIs, finishing 3-for-3 with two walks. Cody Cappelletti added two RBIs, while Preston Conklin drove in two more and swiped a base as part of a well-rounded offensive effort. Gavin Malcomson reached base four times and scored twice, and Rainn McMillan chipped in an RBI triple as Palomar applied constant pressure from top to bottom in the lineup.

On the mound, Joey Navarro earned the win to improve to 2-0 on the season, working four innings and limiting the damage after the early runs. Joey Halter was dominant in relief, tossing four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three to shut down Saddleback's offense and swing the momentum firmly in Palomar's favor. Nate Sheriff closed the game with a scoreless frame to seal the victory.

With the win, the Comets improve to 4-0 on the season and pick up a statement road victory against a ranked opponent.

Palomar will return home Saturday to face Fullerton College for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at Bob Vetter Field.