Ridgecrest, CA — In one of the most exciting games of the young season, Cerro Coso Community College rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat Barstow College, 12–11, on Saturday afternoon in Ridgecrest.

After falling behind 5–0 in the first inning and trailing 7–0 early, the Coyotes chipped away throughout the afternoon before delivering a dramatic final-frame comeback.

Cerro Coso (12 runs on 14 hits) was sparked offensively by Andrew Bain, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. His blast ignited momentum as the Coyotes began to claw back into the contest. Deri Steiert-Couture added two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs, while David Encarnacion finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Behind the plate, Gabe Duchow had a standout performance, going 2-for-3 with a double, drawing two walks, and scoring three runs. Cayden Trujillo also collected two hits, including a double, and drove in a run, while Lauren Binney delivered a clutch pinch-hit double that plated two critical runs late in the game.

Barstow (11 runs on 14 hits) jumped out quickly, fueled by a four-RBI performance from pitcher/designated hitter Scott Hirschi, who also doubled. Derek Hommel added two hits and two RBIs, while Josh Vaughn contributed two hits and two RBIs of his own. Omar Lopez led the Vikings with three hits.

On the mound, Cerro Coso used a trio of arms. Johnathan Gonzalez battled through four innings, allowing seven runs (five earned) while striking out two. Shifu Hasegawa provided two innings of relief, and Eric Galvan closed the door over the final three innings, striking out three to earn the victory.

Barstow's Hirschi threw five innings, allowing four runs while striking out three. The Vikings bullpen combined to allow eight runs over the final three innings as the Coyotes mounted their comeback.

After trailing 11–8 entering the bottom of the ninth, Cerro Coso capitalized on timely hitting and patience at the plate, drawing key walks and delivering clutch extra-base hits to complete the four-run rally and secure the walk-off win.

The Coyotes finished with six extra-base hits, including doubles from Trujillo, Dax Patton, Encarnacion, Steiert-Couture, Duchow, and Binney, along with Bain's home run.

Cerro Coso returns to action next week on Tuesday 2/24/26 as they face College of the Desert at 2pm to continue conference play.