Matsukawa, Crow, Hiestand Performances Highlight Win over Desert

TORRANCE, Calif. --- El Camino College secured an 8-4 non-conference victory over College of the Desert on Saturday afternoon at Warrior Field.

Ryan Matsukawa and Gio Crow each went 3-for-5 as the Warriors' offense pounded out 12 hits on the day. Lucas Bonham went 2-for-4 while Matt Hammond blasted his first career home run, a two-run shot in the fifth inning.

The offense was plenty for starter AJ Hiestand who was outstanding. He went seven innings and allowed just two runs on five hits, needing only 77 pitches to get through his 27 batters. Jake Fallon wrapped up the win as he tossed the last two innings.

The Warriors opened the scoring in the second inning as they loaded the bases with two outs. Jack Nammack then drew a walk to force in a run and then Matsukawa smacked a single through the left side to plate Crow and give ECC the 2-0 lead.

Lucas Bonham added an RBI single in the third inning before the Roadrunners mounted a defense in the fourth, getting a two-run double from Trevor Stowe to cut the Warriors' lead to 3-2.

But the Warriors offense kept rolling with two more runs in their half the fourth and then three in the fifth, highlighted by Hammond launching the first pitch he saw from reliever Kai Hanasaki over the scoreboard in right field.  

That's all the scoring the Warriors would need as Hiestand averaged less than 10 pitches per inning, retiring the Roadrunners in order in four of the seven frames he pitched including seven in a row at one point.

The Warriors will return to action on Wednesday with a road contest against Cypress. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m.