Panthers eliminate Mustangs in 16 innings

GAME 3 -- Sacramento City 7, San Joaquin Delta 6, 16 innings

FRESNO – Nic McClaughry's bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 16^thinning propelled the Panthers to a 7-6 marathon win over the Mustangs in the first elimination game of Day 2 of the California Community College Athletic Association Baseball State Championships, played at Fresno City College's John Euless Ballpark.

With the win, the Panthers (35-14) stay alive in the Final Four and will take on the loser of the late afternoon winner's bracket game between El Camino and Orange Coast. The loss ends the Mustangs' season at 39-9.

After missing several golden opportunities to end the game, the Panthers finally cashed in when Daniel Walsh led off with a single to center. He stole second and advanced to third on a single to left off the bat of Maimu Kobayashi. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, McClaughry's single up the middle ended the 5-hour, 22-minute contest.

It was the fourth meeting of the year between the two Big 8 Conference programs, with the Mustangs winners of three straight over the Panthers before today's outcome. 

Kevin Saenz went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs and two RBI for the Panthers, while Kobayashi added two hits and two RBI.

For the Mustangs, Anthony Lucchetti went 5-for-8 with two runs scored, while Zack Mathis went 4-for-8.

SCC's Christian McIrerney pitched a scoreless 16^thinning to pick up the win after a valiant performance for Colby Harrison, who allowed no runs on two hits over four innings with a walk and two strikeouts.

SOURCE: https://www.cccaasports.org/sports/bsb/2018-19/releases/20190527s7ywht