Roadrunners drop series finale to Desert

By Sergio Ramos

College of the Desert unleashed a dominant offensive performance, racking up 17 hits in a 14–6 victory over Rio Hondo College in a high-scoring contest. 

Desert's lineup was relentless from top to bottom, led by Malakai Lopez, who turned in a huge day at the plate with four hits—including four doubles—and four RBIs. Brandon Leon added three hits, scored three runs, and launched a home run while driving in two. Kaden Prosofsky chipped in three hits and two RBIs as the Roadrunners' pitching staff struggled to contain the surge. 

After building an early lead, Desert broke the game open in the later innings. A multi-run eighth inning created separation, highlighted by run-producing hits from Kaden Durazo, who finished with two RBIs, and continued pressure from the heart of the order. 

Rio Hondo kept pace early behind a strong offensive showing of its own, collecting 12 hits. Andrew Ruvalcaba went 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Anthony Baez added three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. L.J. Vasquez and Elias Mota each contributed multi-hit efforts, and Rio Hondo managed to push across six runs. 

However, the turning point came on the mound. Desert took advantage of control issues and defensive miscues, drawing seven walks and capitalizing on five wild pitches. Rio Hondo used eight pitchers in the game, and late-inning struggles allowed Desert to pile on insurance runs. 

Starter Marcus Mayweather took the loss despite allowing just one earned run over four innings, as defensive errors behind him proved costly. Desert continued to apply pressure against the bullpen, scoring nine runs over the final five innings to pull away. 

On the other side, Caleb Ortiz earned the win for Desert, allowing three runs (two earned) over 5.1 innings. The bullpen combination of Brandon Deth and Brady McCleery helped close out the game despite a late push from Rio Hondo. 

With explosive hitting, depth throughout the lineup, and the ability to capitalize on mistakes, Desert secured the 14–6 win in convincing fashion.