Left fielder Nick Ybarra and right fielder Josh Sabajan combined for four of Rio Hondo College's five hits in a 9-0 South Coast Conference series-opening loss at Pasadena City College on Tuesday. Game 2 of the three-game series is set for Thursday (April 26) at Rio Hondo.

The Roadrunners had a difficult time at the plate against Pasadena pitcher Race Gardner. He went the distance for the shutout and allowed five hits and struck out five.

Nicko Cottone had a rough outing in the start for Rio Hondo. He allowed seven runs and eighth hits over 3 1/3 innings. PCC jumped ahead early, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first and was up 7-0 after four innings.

Ybarra and Sabajan both hit doubles as part of their two-hit games. Steven Mendoza also had a single for Rio Hondo's other hit.

Tuesday's loss dropped the Roadrunners to 13-23 overall and 6-14 in South Coast Conference North Division play while Pasadena moved to 20-18 and 11-9 in the division standings.