Warriors Comeback Falls Short in Extras

TORRANCE, Calif. --- El Camino College overcame a four-run deficit to force extra innings but could not get over the hump in an 8-5 South Coast Conference loss to Cerritos in 10 innings on Thursday afternoon at Warrior Field.

The Warriors fell behind 4-0 in the fifth inning but scored twice in the sixth and then tied the game in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings but the Falcons plated four runs in the 10th to secure the win.

In the ninth and trailing 4-2, the Warriors loaded the bases with one out off reliever Cade Sonoqui. Ryan Matsukawa singled to center to load the bases and then pinch-hitter Gio Crow hit a sacrifice fly to center to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Joey Replogle then came through in the clutch as he singled to left field to plate pinch-runner Ian Wilson with the tying run.

Lucas Bonham came up with a chance to win it but Sonoqui got the Warriors' infielder to ground out and send the game to extras.

In the 10th, the Falcons returned the favor by also loading the bases with one out off reliever Gavin Grace. Anthony Bassett then hit a long single to left field where Matsukawa had the ball bounce off his glove and into the corner in foul territory, allowing all three baserunners to score and make it 7-4. An RBI double from Marlon Oviedo made it 8-4 before a flyout ended the frame.

The Warriors had one last gasp as Chris Marquis homered in the bottom of the 10th to make it 8-5 and then Christian Miranda and Jack Nammack followed with walks to bring the potential tying run to the plate with two outs. But Matsukawa flied out to left to end the game and send the Warriors to their fifth straight loss.

The teams will meet one more time on Saturday at Cerritos with the Warriors looking to avoid a second straight conference sweep. First pitch is set for noon.