Rio Hondo rallies for big 18-6 win at San Bernardino Valley
SAN BERNARDINO — The Rio Hondo College Roadrunners erased an early five-run deficit and surged past the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines for their first win, an 18-6 road victory on Saturday afternoon.
Rio Hondo trailed 5-0 after five innings before breaking the game open with a seven-run, sixth-inning, seizing control and never looking back. The Roadrunners scored in each of the final four innings, piling up 18 runs on 16 hits to complete the comeback.
San Bernardino Valley struck early, scoring in each of the first five frames to build its lead, but the momentum shifted quickly once Rio Hondo's lineup turned over in the sixth inning.
Rio Hondo's rally featured contributions throughout the lineup.
Danyal Jenkins led the way, finishing 3-for-6 with three runs scored and three RBIs, including a three-run triple in the ninth inning that capped the scoring. Diego Helguera collected four hits, drove in a run, and consistently set the table during the Roadrunners' late surge.
Joshua Oh went 2-for-6 with two runs and two RBIs, adding a stolen base and delivering key hits in the middle innings. Mario Morton produced two hits and three RBIs, highlighted by a clutch double during the sixth-inning rally.
Lucius Mika added three RBIs, including an extra-base hit that helped swing momentum in Rio Hondo's favor. Elias Mota drove in two runs in the ninth inning, providing late insurance.
Rio Hondo continued to add on with multi-run innings in the seventh, eighth, and ninth, turning a close contest into a decisive win.
After early struggles, Rio Hondo's pitching staff settled in. Sebastian Zamorano earned the win out of the bullpen, working four innings and allowing just one run while striking out three. The Roadrunners' relievers limited the Wolverines to one run over the final four innings, shutting the door on any comeback attempt.
Rio Hondo moved to 1-5 overall with the win. The Roadrunners will look to carry the momentum over into their next game on Wednesday (Feb. 4), a 1 p.m. non-conference game at home against Citrus College.
