Vaqueros on the brink

COSTA MESA — A lack of clutch hitting was nothing the Glendale Community College baseball team couldn't overcome a week ago in its postseason-opening series.

It was a feat the Vaqueros couldn't replicate Friday in a 7-2 loss to Mt. San Antonio College after they batted one for 13 with runners in scoring position in the opening game of the California Community College Athletic Assn's Super Regional tournament at Orange Coast College.

Glendale Coach Chris Cicuto credited the offensive struggles to Mounties (31-8) starting pitcher Taylor Jimenez, who gave up seven of GCC's 10 hits, but only allowed one earned run with three walks, a hit batter and eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

"[Jimenez] made some pitches and obviously we need to at least have contact [with runners in scoring position] — we can't punch out," Cicuto said. "Like I told the guys today, I would be concerned if we didn't have any shot. We had the bases loaded twice and [Jimenez] made some good pitches and that's the way it goes sometimes."

Glendale (27-11) first loaded the bases with one out in the top of the second on two walks sandwiched between a Ruben Padilla (two for four) double and strikeout.

GCC was kept off the board, though as Mt. SAC shortstop Richard Rollice leaped and snagged Robert De Santiago's line drive out of the air and the Vaqueros' next batter struck out.

The Mounties capitalized on the momentum, as they took a 2-0 lead with three hits and two balks in their half of the second, as Josh Surdo and Aaron Orona singled and doubled in a run, respectively.

"You get a bases-loaded situation and get two outs that's obviously a lot of momentum for them," Cicuto said. "We've got to stop them. If we come back with a zero spot we can come back with a little more confidence. We just have to bounce back."

Glendale couldn't bounce back in the top of the third, despite loading the bases with no outs, as three straight strikeouts ended the threat.

The Vaqueros will have to rebound in the Super Regionals loser's bracket today, as they take on Cypress College (24-15) at Golden West College at 10 a.m.

A victory will put GCC in a game against the winner of today's Orange Coast College and Mt. SAC game at 11 a.m. a half an hour after it concludes at Orange Coast. A loss in either game will end GCC's season in the double-elimination tournament.