Panthers Baseball Rallies for 5-4 Win Over Glendale, Improves to 3-1

The Chaffey Panther baseball team improved to 3-1 on Tuesday, after a thrilling come-from-behind 5-4 victory over Glendale College.

The Panthers found themselves in an early 0-3 hole after the Vaqueros put up three runs in the top of the second inning. Glendale added another run in the top of the third, taking a 0-4 lead after Dylan Siddell's double to left field scored Max Price.

The Panthers began their comeback in the bottom of the fifth inning. With one out, Derek Almeda drew a walk to first base. The next batter, Eric Valdivia, continued his hot streak, smashing a two-run homer to put the Panthers on the board. Valdivia currently has 3 home runs, batting .571, has 8 RBI's, and 4 runs.

The score remained 2-4 until the bottom of the ninth. Dillon Smalls led off the inning with a double into right field. Jaden St. Cyr followed with a powerful swing, sending another double into the outfield and bringing home Smalls to close the gap to 3-4. Derek Almeda's hit moved Cyr to third and Almeda to first, putting the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

In baseball, a coach's intuition and knowledge of their team are key factors whether they win or lose. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the tying run at third, head coach Andrew Smith had a gut feeling to call upon sophomore Austin Easter. Easter, a 6'2 first baseman and outfielder from Temecula, California, had been working hard all season, waiting for his opportunity. "I just had a feeling that it was his turn to step up," Smith reflected. "He didn't get to play last season due to injuries, but considering the time he's dedicated to his craft and his determination, I just had a feeling it was his time in the spotlight."

Coach Smith's intuition proved correct. Easter connected, smashing a double that brought home both Almeda and Cyr, grabbing a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory for Chaffey.

After the game, Smith and his coaching staff raved about the team performance. "As a coach, I was incredibly proud of every one of them," Smith remarked. "This was a game that was won with heart and belief, regardless of the score. When we play together, support each other, and never give up, there's nothing this team can't accomplish."

The Panthers will face the Vaqueros from Glendale College again on Thursday, February 6th. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, February 7th, but due to the approaching weather forecast, it has been rescheduled. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.

This team has shown early signs that it can score. If the bats continue to stay hot, and if this team sticks with the process, it should be a successful and fun season. "Lighting up the scoreboard is fun, but good teams need to be able to win lower scoring games too,' adds Smith.