Bear Cubs score 7 runs in the 1st and win 14-7 to spoil the Panthers regular season finale at the U; offense held to just 5 hits in the loss
Santa Rosa jumps on Sac City Early, Wins 14–7 Behind Summers' 3-Hit Day and Neidlinger's 3 RBIs
Santa Rosa College flexed its offensive muscle Thursday afternoon at Union Stadium, blitzing Sacramento City for seven runs in the first inning on the way to a convincing 14–7 road win. The Bear Cubs improved to 34–1 overall and 19–1 in Big 8 Conference play.
The win marks Santa Rosa's sixth straight and showcases their depth both at the plate and on the mound, as they out-hit the Panthers 15–5 and never trailed in the game.
Opening Inning Onslaught
The Bear Cubs wasted no time jumping on Sac City starter Brady Wilson, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring seven times in the top of the first. J.T. Summers and Josh Martin each delivered RBI singles, Joe Brown followed with one of his own, and Brett Neidlinger capped the rally with a two-run knock. A wild pitch and a Cooper Wood sac fly extended the inning's damage, putting Santa Rosa firmly in control at 7–0.
Panthers Answer Briefly
Sacramento City answered with a four-run third inning, sparked by a two-RBI single from Kaden Isola and a clutch hit by Dom Agrella. The momentum was short-lived, however, as Santa Rosa tacked on two more in the fourth and four in the fifth to stretch the lead to 13–4.
Schat Slams the Door
After starter Brice Cox gave up four runs in three innings, sophomore Luke Schat entered in relief and delivered six dominant innings, allowing just one hit and three unearned runs in the ninth while striking out seven. He picked up his first win of the season.
Late Push Not Enough for Sac City
The Panthers added three in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally came too late. Despite the late burst, Sac City dropped to 21–18 overall and 12–11 in Big 8 play.
Key Performances:
Santa Rosa:
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J.T. Summers: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 3 R
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Josh Martin: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R
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Brett Neidlinger: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, R
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Shane Moran: 1-for-3, 3 RBI, R, BB
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Luke Schat (W, 1–0): 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Sacramento City:
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Kaden Isola: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB, R
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Dom Agrella: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
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Levi Sotomayor: 1-for-4, RBI, R
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Lucas Drake: 1-for-3, 2 R
