KNIGHTS' 9TH INNING RALLY FALLS SHORT AGAINST MSJC

The Knights nearly came back from a three-run deficit, but their ninth inning rally fell short by a run as they lost to Mt. San Jacinto, 5-4.

Shortstop Anthony Warneke led off the bottom of the first inning with a single up the middle and eventually came around to score the first run of the game on a Frank Lopez' sacrifice fly. 

Mt. San Jacinto got on the board for the first time in the fourth inning with two runs to take a 2-1 lead. The Eagles had three hits in the inning, but City's two infield errors proved costly.

The Knights were able to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth when Tyler Flores reached on an error. He advanced to second on a ground out and to third on a Dylan Dudley single. Flores then finally came home on a fielder's choice. 

Another error by the Knights' defense to start the top of the ninth set up a big inning for Mt. San Jacinto. The Eagles loaded the bases with one out against Knights' starting pitcher Ethan Payson, who then struck out the next batter, but hit Bryan Dezern to allow the go-ahead run to score. JT Brown followed with a 2-RBI double to give the Eagles a 5-2 lead.

The Knights had a big hill to climb in their final at bat and they nearly got to the top. Alex Bentley got their rally started by reaching on an error and then eventually coming around to score on a ground out. Scott Martinez hit a triple to center field that scored Addison Hull who had singled earlier in the inning. 

After a pitching change, Warneke earned a walk to put runners in the corners with only one out, but Diego Blanco struck out and Flores popped out to end any hopes of a comeback. 

City dropped to 7-7 overall and 2-3 in the PCAC.